Aim: The study aims to identify factors influencing referral patterns and delays in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients across clinical settings in India.
Materials and methods: A prospective, multicenter, observational study collected data from eight centers using the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) database. Patient-related factors and referral factors were determined based on patient narration. The modified PRASAD scale categorized patients' socioeconomic status.
Results: The study included 4,643 RA patients from eight centers. Data from 35 patients were excluded due to inconsistent reporting of diagnosis and delay. Lack of awareness was the predominant factor causing the delay in referral. Approximately, 39% of patients were referred to the rheumatology specialty within 6 months of disease onset, while 26% reported later, and 34% reported over 2 years. Referral delays were linked to socioeconomic factors in Madhya Pradesh (21.43%) and West Bengal (28.57%). Lack of awareness about the disease and rheumatology specialty was highest in West Bengal (100%), followed by Delhi and Rajasthan (93.70%). Misconceptions about modern medicine, reluctance to refer patients to the rheumatologist, and previous treatment by other specialities were other factors influencing referral delay. Primary care clinicians' unawareness of the rheumatology specialty was the primary reason for referral delay in Gujarat (33.56%) and Delhi and Rajasthan (25.18%).
Conclusion: Both patient and healthcare professional-related factors contribute to referral delays in RA patients. Major factors causing referral delays include reluctance to refer and inadequate knowledge about rheumatology among primary care physicians and the general public. Patients' education and occupation also influence the timing of referrals to specialty care.
© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2024.