Rheumatologists' Perceptions of Nurse-led Telephone Consultations for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Japan

To examine rheumatologists' perceptions of nurse-led telephone consultations in rheumatoid arthritis patients, including differences in those working with and without rheumatology care nurses.

Rheumatologists completed a web-based questionnaire on nurse-led telephone consultations.

129 rheumatologists responded: 49 with rheumatology care nurses, 73 without, and 7 unknown. Regarding telephone consultations, 35.7% reported nurses handled them, and 34.9% either physicians or nurses did. Most agreed with nurse handling (87.6%) and its contribution to patient satisfaction (89.9%), with higher agreement among those with rheumatology care nurses (p< 0.001 both). High agreement was also observed for nurse management of daily life (93.0%), psychological issues (92.3%), and self-injection techniques (91.4%). Rheumatologists with rheumatology care nurses showed higher agreement across many items, including whether patients should self-inject biological agents (p = 0.001) and management of drug side effects (p = 0.011). Reported challenges included insufficient nurse knowledge and lack of reimbursement. Qualitative analysis indicated that nurse-led telephone consultations facilitate access, enable appropriate triage and prompt responses, and reduce unnecessary visits. Expected benefits included patient information gathering, clear explanations, psychological support, and complementing rheumatologists' work.

Most rheumatologists agreed nurses handle telephone consultations, which were perceived to facilitate person-centered care, appropriate triage, and economic benefits.