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Rheumatologists’ perception of systemic lupus erythematosus quality indicators: significant interest and perceived barriers

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Abstract

Differences in quality of care may contribute to health disparities in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies show low physician adherence rates to the SLE quality indicators but do not assess physician perception of SLE quality indicators or quality improvement. Using a cross-sectional survey of rheumatologists in the southeastern USA, we assessed the perception and involvement of rheumatologists in quality improvement and the SLE quality indicators. Using electronic mail, an online survey of 32 questions was delivered to 568 rheumatologists. With a response rate of 19% (n = 106), the majority of participants were male, Caucasian, with over 20 years of experience, and seeing adult patients in an academic setting. Participants had a positive perception toward quality improvement (81%) with a majority responding that the SLE quality indicators would significantly impact quality of care (54%). While 66% of respondents were familiar with the SLE quality indicators, only 18% of respondents reported using them in everyday practice. The most commonly reported barrier to involvement in quality improvement and the SLE quality indicators was time. Rheumatologists had a positive perception of the SLE quality indicators and agreed that use of the quality indicators could improve quality of care in SLE; however, they identified time as a barrier to implementation. Future studies should investigate methods to increase use of the SLE quality indicators.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the support of the following state societies: Alabama Rheumatology Society, Tennessee Rheumatology Society, South Carolina Rheumatism Society, and the Kentuckiana Rheumatology Alliance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, T3113 MCN, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA

    Carolyn Casey, Cecilia P. Chung, Leslie J. Crofford & April Barnado

Authors
  1. Carolyn Casey
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  2. Cecilia P. Chung
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  3. Leslie J. Crofford
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  4. April Barnado
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to April Barnado.

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Financial support

Supported by grants NIH/NIAMS 5 T32 AR059039-05 (Barnado), NIH/NICHD 5 K12HD043483-12 (Barnado), K23AR064768 (Chung), Rheumatology Research Foundation (Chung), NCATS/NIH UL1 TR000445.

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None.

Ethical standards

Approval for the study was given by the Institutional Review Board of Vanderbilt University Medical Center [# 150649]. By completing the online survey, respondents gave electronic informed consent.

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Casey, C., Chung, C.P., Crofford, L.J. et al. Rheumatologists’ perception of systemic lupus erythematosus quality indicators: significant interest and perceived barriers. Clin Rheumatol 36, 97–102 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-016-3487-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-016-3487-3

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