Study Shows Care at Dedicated Lupus Clinics may Improve Quality of Life
Research suggests that people with lupus who receive care at a dedicated lupus clinic or were seen by rheumatologists with a higher volume of lupus patients were more likely to receive care consistent with lupus quality and outcome measures. The study assessed quality of care by looking at multiple aspects of the patients’ diagnosis and treatment experience at general rheumatology clinic (GRC) clinics versus subspecialty lupus clinics (LC).
While disease activity, organ damage, and testing procedures did not significantly vary between the GRC and LC patients, there were several quality variables that differed. For example, LC patients were more likely to receive counseling for use of sunscreen, vaccine recommendations for people, osteoporosis monitoring, drug counseling, and educaton related to heart disease prevention.
This difference may be due to the added experience LC clinicians have by seeing a larger volume of lupus patients than GRC clinicians. In other words, practice may be a key to improved outcomes. Because of the complex diagnosis and treatment of lupus, the high co-occurring disease rates, and potential side effects related to medication uses, clinicians must be able to provide time-consuming and comprehensive care and follow-up.
Lupus is a complex disease that can impact health and quality of life in many ways. Learn about getting the most from your medical appointments.