Outcome-oriented and patient-experienced impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare accessibility and use of rheumatological care in the Netherlands

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was reduced accessibility to outpatient care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients due to care downscaling, but also because some patients chose to avoid the overburdened healthcare system. As a result, rheumatological care has been delivered in a different way, including the accelerated adaptation of remote care. Goal The aim of this quantitative and qualitative research is to use outcome information to substantiate the knowledge gap as to whether the (drug) treatment for RA patients was optimal during the COVID-19 pandemic by reducing the number of physical consultations. Method By using real-world data, we gain insight into the further development of appropriate care during the accelerated implementation of care substitution. This knowledge will be used to optimize the care process and as a starting point for the outcome-oriented delivery of rheumatological care from a social and patient perspective.