Evaluating Factors Associated With Telehealth Appropriateness in Outpatient Rheumatoid Arthritis Encounters Using the...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Digital Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Telehealth offers a potential alternative to in-person care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Evaluating the factors influencing the suitability of telehealth for RA management is crucial for optimizing its implementation.
• Understanding these factors can improve patient access and care quality in rheumatology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate factors associated with the appropriateness of telehealth in outpatient rheumatoid arthritis (RA) encounters.
• To provide insights for healthcare providers and systems on optimizing telehealth utilization for RA patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2021 to August 2021.
• Electronic health record data from outpatient RA encounters were analyzed.
• Rheumatology providers used the Encounter Appropriateness Score for You (EASY) to rate telehealth appropriateness, with robust Poisson regression used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Provider preference for telehealth, current telehealth modality, and increased patient age were associated with higher telehealth appropriateness.
• Moderate to high rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity and previous telehealth encounters were associated with decreased appropriateness.
• Patient demographics, RA medications, and comorbid joint pain causes did not significantly impact telehealth appropriateness.

Conclusions:

• Telehealth appropriateness in RA is primarily influenced by provider preference, encounter modality, and RA disease activity.
• Factors such as patient age and prior telehealth use also play a role.
• Telehealth can be effectively utilized for RA management, with specific considerations for disease activity and encounter history.