A Survey Study on Rheumatologist Consultation Time in Korean Hospitals

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In Korea, short physician consultation time has been a cause of concern as it compromises the care provided. This study was aimed at finding the actual and optimal consultation time per patient for rheumatology outpatient clinic in Korea.METHODS: The surveys were prepared based on a study of the literature and consisted of multiple-choice questions as well as additional open questions. Surveys were conducted from November to February, 2018~2019. Rheumatologist members of the Korean College of Rheumatology were invited to complete the web-based survey as well as paper survey.RESULTS: The mean duration of consultation allocated to a new and an established patient was found to be 12.3 and 4.8 minutes, respectively, which corresponded to only 22%~35.3% of perceived optimal consultation time. On the other hand, the intrusion of physician autonomy for optimal patient care by the hospital executive was manifest such that only 4.7% responded discretion in allocating consultation time for patients and that 61.3% replied that they have been restrained from keeping the adequate outpatient clinic volumes. Sixty six percent of respondents replied that insufficient consultation time affects patient safety including errors in prescription.CONCLUSION: Rheumatology consultation time is very insufficient compared to optimal situation. A drastic change in health care policy promoting good quality of care, such as appropriate compensation which guarantees sufficient consultation time, as well as strong policy to control excessive profit-driven management policy of the hospitals is urgently needed.