Stressed Healthcare Systems: The Impact on the Care of Patients With Rheumatic Diseases.

Scolnik, Marina

The article discusses the impact of stressed healthcare systems on the care of patients with rheumatic diseases. It highlights challenges faced by healthcare systems worldwide, such as disparities in infrastructure, shortages in healthcare professionals, and inadequate funding. These challenges result in suboptimal treatment, limited access to essential services, and difficulties in responding to health crises. The article emphasizes the need for strengthening medical education programs, improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing funding mechanisms, and utilizing technologies like big data and artificial intelligence. It also addresses the shortage of rheumatologists globally and the need for policies to enhance the rheumatology workforce. The study mentioned in the article focuses on the experiences of patients with inflammatory arthritis who visit the emergency department due to the failure of existing rheumatology ambulatory care models to meet their urgent clinical needs. The authors suggest that improving coordination within the healthcare system and ensuring timely access to rheumatology care can alleviate the burden on emergency departments. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of patient education and adherence to improve rheumatology care and reduce unnecessary emergency department visits. It suggests strategies such as digital tools, personalized approaches, and tailored education to enhance patient engagement and self-management. The article acknowledges that addressing the challenges in healthcare systems requires systemic changes in healthcare policy, increased awareness and education among healthcare providers, and targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to high-quality care for all patients.

MEDICAL care; EMERGENCY room visits; PHYSICIANS' attitudes; MEDICAL personnel; PUBLIC health infrastructure; MEDICAL technology

Journal of Rheumatology, 2024, Vol 51, Issue 10, p953

0315-162X

Academic Journal

10.3899/jrheum.2024-0755