Barriers to Pediatric Rheumatology Care: A Survey of Pediatric Clinical Practices at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Abstract

Background Access to pediatric rheumatology (PR) is limited in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with only three trained pediatric rheumatologists in Abu Dhabi. However, the limited access and current levels of PR care in the Abu Dhabi workforce have not yet been formally assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the confidence in the delivery of PR patient care and the need for a structured PR training program among pediatricians. Methods The anonymous web-based Google Forms survey (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA) included 16 items on PR training programs and patient care. The survey was sent to physicians in the pediatric department in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, through June 2024. Results Among the 54 participants, the majority were general pediatricians (70.4%). Most participants encountered PR patients monthly (51.9%) or weekly (29.6%), yet 87% had less than one year of experience in PR. Confidence levels in examining, investigating, and managing PR patients were generally low to moderate, while physicians primarily reported high confidence in referring patients. A significant need for a structured PR training program at SKMC was identified, with 92.6% of participants advocating for its implementation. Conclusions The majority of pediatricians do not feel confident in examining, investigating, and managing pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases. There is a need for a structured PR program at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, due to a significant shortage in PR physicians.