Greek NHS capacity constraints regarding intravenous treatment for rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract

Intravenous (iv) infusion of biologic agents is a highly effective therapeutic option for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In Greece, it is mandatory that all infusions are administered in a hospital setting; therefore, they are strongly correlated with the system's capacity in terms of resources. The objective of this paper was to assess the capacity of the Greek National Health System (NHS) hospitals to meet current/projected demand for iv treatment of RA patients. Semi-qualitative interviews on the basis of a strictly structured questionnaire were conducted with the Heads of all NHS RA infusion sites to record available resources, service utilization and ability to meet current/projected demand. Out of 31 NHS infusion sites, 28 responded (90.3%). On average, 41.6% of Greek NHS RA patients are treated with a biologic agent and 61.5% of respondents stated that available resources are insufficient to meet current demand. The most important constraints in selection order were as follows: space (93%), staff (89.5%), equipment (61.5%) and working hours (57%). Fifty-six percent of respondents stated that they may decline treatment to patients due to constraints. Overall, respondents estimated that the number of iv patients could be increased by 104%, were there no capacity constraints. An important proportion of the estimated 40.000 RA patients in Greece, for whom iv biologic treatment in the hospital setting is essential for disease control, may be declined treatment due to constraints in RA-specific resources. Rationalization and reallocation of NHS resources is required to ensure equity in access to effective treatment for all RA patients.