Rheuma-VOR study: optimising healthcare of rheumatic diseases by multiprofessional coordinating centres

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Early diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis is crucial for preventing joint damage and functional decline.
• A significant gap exists between recommended early diagnosis practices and real-world implementation.
• Timely intervention in inflammatory arthritis impacts long-term patient prognosis and healthcare resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the timeliness of diagnosis for patients with early inflammatory arthritis.
• To coordinate collaborative efforts between primary care physicians, rheumatologists, and patients in Germany.
• To evaluate the impact of a coordinated care model on diagnostic speed and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, non-randomized, multicentre study involving 2340 primary care physicians and 72 rheumatologists across 4 German Federal States.
• Evaluation of two coprimary endpoints: time to diagnosis and screening performance of primary care physicians.
• Comparison of outcomes, including disease activity, quality of life, and costs, against a reference cohort receiving standard care.

Main Results:

• The Rheuma-VOR study successfully met its primary endpoint for time to diagnosis.
• Significant improvements were observed in secondary endpoints, including patient-reported outcomes and disease activity.
• The coordinated approach demonstrated a dominant cost-benefit ratio compared to standard care, indicating cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The Rheuma-VOR initiative effectively improved rheumatological care through coordinated collaboration.
• Patient-reported outcomes and overall well-being were enhanced by the integrated care model.
• The nationwide approach resulted in significant cost savings and improved healthcare efficiency.