Delivery of paediatric rheumatology care: a survey of current clinical practice in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific regions

Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal

Thaschawee Arkachaisri¹  Christiaan Scott²  Soamarat Vilaiyuk³  Sirikarn Tangcheewinsirikul⁴  Sirirat Charuvanij⁴  Maynart Sukharomana⁴  Swee-Ping Tang⁵  Nicola Smith⁶  Helen E. Foster⁶ 

[1] Department of Paediatric Subspecialties, Rheumatology and Immunology Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital;Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cape Town, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital;Division of Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University;Division of Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University;Paediatric Rheumatology Unit, Selayang Hospital;Paediatric Rheumatology, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University;

关键词: Paediatric rheumatology;    Health care system;    SE ASIA/ASIAPAC;    Clinical care;    Education and training;    Medicines;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12969-021-00498-1

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Paediatric rheumatic diseases are a leading cause of acquired disability in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific Countries (SE ASIA/ASIAPAC). The aims of this study were to identify and describe the challenges to the delivery of patient care and identify solutions to raise awareness about paediatric rheumatic diseases. Methods The anonymised online survey included 27 items about paediatric rheumatology (PR) clinical care and training programmes. The survey was piloted and then distributed via Survey-Monkey™ between March and July 2019. It was sent to existing group lists of physicians and allied health professionals (AHPs), who were involved in the care pathways and management of children with rheumatic diseases in SE ASIA/ASIAPAC. Results Of 340 participants from 14 countries, 261 participants had been involved in PR care. The majority of the participants were general paediatricians. The main reported barriers to providing specialised multidisciplinary service were the absence or inadequacy of the provision of specialists and AHPs in addition to financial issues. Access to medicines was variable and financial constraints cited as the major obstacle to accessing biological drugs within clinical settings. The lack of a critical mass of specialist paediatric rheumatologists was the main perceived barrier to PR training. Conclusions There are multiple challenges to PR services in SE ASIA/ASIAPAC countries. There is need for more specialist multidisciplinary services and greater access to medicines and biological therapies. The lack of specialist paediatric rheumatologists is the main barrier for greater access to PR training.

【 授权许可】

Unknown