Teleclinics in rheumatology introduced during the first lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a crisis in the provision of usual services, including face-to-face (FTF) outpatient clinics. The need for change came abruptly in late March 2020 as routine clinics were cancelled. We accelerated the delivery of our teleclinics (telephone and video) in rheumatology, which we had started doing prior to the pandemic. 396 patients were reviewed during the lockdown by teleclinics. 39 (10%) of patients were discharged, 102 (26%) had treatment adjusted without bringing forward their appointment, 39 (10%) had tests ordered and prescriptions issued, 160 (40%) were reviewed and booked for a future appointment, thus reducing the current waiting list, and 22 (6%) were placed a patient-initiated follow-up plan. Only 10 (3%) required a conversion from the teleclinic to a FTF clinic in the near future. The COVID-19 crisis offered us the opportunity to do things we had been considering for some time. Our aim is now to continue with this new way of working as we move to the recovery phase and beyond. We would suggest that adoption of these changes in other trusts could significantly improve the quality of the care for patients not only in rheumatology but also throughout the NHS.