Rheumatology practice and training in India – A perspective from rheumatology consultants

Abstract

Background: We surveyed rheumatology consultants regarding their perceptions about rheumatology practice and training in India. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered during two national rheumatology meetings to evaluate practice settings and demographic characteristics of patients seen. We also assessed perceptions regarding junior doctors, auxiliary health professionals (AHPs), ancillary facilities (daycare, intra-articular injections, musculoskeletal ultrasound [MSKUS]), and possible government-driven strategies for improving rheumatology care delivery. Results: The response rate was 56% (70/125); 68 complete responses were further analyzed. Most respondents were in the private sector (56/68), had been in practice for a mean of 11.5 (±8.4) years, attended to a mean of 150 (±91) patients every week, a majority of whom were educated upto intermediate level and belonged to the middle class. About 60% had junior doctors to assist them in care delivery; 82.5% (52/63) felt that junior doctors had limited competence in managing rheumatic diseases. More than 90% felt the need for AHPs in the clinic, although less than one-half had access to such personnel. Most utilized ancillary services like intra-articular injections (97%), daycare facilities for infusions (92%), and MSKUS (71%). More than 90% respondents felt that government-funded programs for the management of rheumatic diseases, coupled with a structured referral system, would be useful. Conclusion: Rheumatology practice in India may improve by better training junior doctors in skills related to rheumatology at the undergraduate and postgraduate internal medicine levels. The development of specialist AHPs may help enhance service delivery. Government programs for community management of rheumatic diseases and management guidelines suited to the needs of a developing economy majorly reliant on out-of-pocket expenditure for healthcare are significant areas for development.