Due to inflammatory and conventional risk factors, including smoking and high blood pressure (BP), patients with rheumatologic disorders have an increased chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Traditional risk factors are frequently identified and modifiable in general care but rarely addressed in rheumatology clinics. For a study, researchers sought to describe how the rheumatology clinic personnel dealt with high blood pressure and smoking, and identify obstacles and management techniques for these risk factors.
They held 7 focus groups (BP focus groups, n = 23, smoking focus groups, n = 20) with physician assistants, nurses, and scheduling staff from 4 adult rheumatology clinics across 2 health systems. Thematic analysis was used to examine transcripts to identify obstacles and solutions.
Risk identification, clinic follow-up, and follow-up with primary care and community services to manage high blood pressure and smoking risk. The research revealed impediments and solutions within these processes, which they categorized into the following themes: time, clinic workflows; technology and resources; staff attitudes and knowledge; and staff views of patients. The two most widespread impediments were staff confidence and expertise in starting dialogues about behavior change related to health and the lack of an organized framework for follow-up.
The study found generalizable weaknesses in the work procedures and expertise of rheumatology personnel in dealing with high blood pressure and smoking in patients. Therefore, future initiatives to assist staff requirements should concentrate on dialogue support tools and methods for follow-up both within and outside the clinic.
Reference: journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Abstract/2022/10000/Rheumatology_Clinic_Staff_Needs__Barriers_and.5.aspx
