EULAR advocates deployment of health care professionals -- study confirms effectiveness

(European League Against Rheumatism) Inflammatory-rheumatic disorders are a widespread ailment, affecting at least 1.5 million people in Germany alone. Because of the shortage of rheumatologists, however, only half of the patients are adequately treated (1,2). A study in Germany has shown for the first time that the care of patients with inflammatory-rheumatic diseases by 'rheumatological assistants' (RFA*) is just as effective as treatment by specialist rheumatologists.