The need for telemedicine for rheumatic diseases in adult medical care: a survey of nonpaediatric rheumatologists

OBJECTIVES: This study of telemedicine aims to clarify the needs and issues of patients with rheumatic diseases and the medical personnel involved in their care. METHODS: A questionnaire survey, targeting members of the Japan Rheumatology Association and pertinent patients/companions, was conducted on the use of telemedicine in this field. RESULTS: Questionnaires were collected from 351 internists, 133 orthopaedists, and 144 patients/their companions. According to the internists and orthopaedists, 77.5% and 58.6% of their patients require ≥1 h one-way travel to a medical institution, respectively. Among the patients treated, 28.5% and 19.5% were from remote areas or islands, and 52.1% and 38.3% were from areas with a shortage of specialized medical care. Meanwhile, a positive view of remote medical care was held by 67.2% of the internists, 54.9% of the orthopaedists, and 73.0% of the patients/their companions. Medical personnel who treat patients from remote islands and in areas with a shortage of specialized medical care were especially open to performing remote medical care via telemedicine systems. Medical personnel expressed concerns about the quality of medical care, while the patients expressed concerns about reduced communication. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals some of the concerns of medical personnel and patients with rheumatic diseases about telemedicine.