Digital rheumatology in the era of COVID-19: Results of a national patient and physician survey

Background: Digital health applications (DHAs) are gaining influence and promise great potential for the monitoring and management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Objectives: To analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on RMD patients' and rheumatologists' usage, preferences, and perception of digital health applications (DHAs) in Germany. Methods: A web-based national survey was developed by the Working Group Young Rheumatology of the German Society for Rheumatology and the German League against Rheumatism. The prospective survey was distributed via social media, QR-code, and email. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and regression analyses were performed to show correlations. Results: We analysed the responses of 299 patients and 129 rheumatologists. Most patients (74%) and rheumatologists (76%) believed that DHAs are useful in the management of RMDs and felt confident in their own usage thereof (90%;86%). 38% of patients and 71% of rheumatologists reported that their attitude had changed positively towards DHAs and that their usage had increased due to COVID-19 (29%;48%). The majority in both groups agreed on implementing virtual visits for follow-up appointments in stable disease conditions. The most reported advantages of DHAs were usage independent of time and place (76.6%;77.5%). The main barriers were a lack of information on suitable, available DHAs (58.5%;41.9%), poor usability (42.1% of patients) and a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of DHAs (23.2% of rheumatologists) (Table 1). Only a minority (<10% in both groups) believed that digitalisation has a negative impact on the patient-doctor relationship. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic instigated an increase in patients' and rheumatologists' acceptance and usage of DHAs, possibly introducing a permanent paradigm shift in the management of RMDs. (Table Presented).

[Colchicine: old medication with new benefits : Use in rheumatology and beyond]. / Colchicin: altes Medikament mit neuem Nutzen : Einsatz in der Rheumatologie und darüber hinaus.

Colchicine, the toxin of the autumn crocus, has various anti-inflammatory effects. For this reason, it is being used for the treatment of several autoinflammatory diseases, such as gout or familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). In addition, some interesting studies have been published which suggest the benefits of colchicine in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, various anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches are currently being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19. First publications suggest a potential benefit of colchicine in certain disease phases of the virus infection. This article provides an overview of the mechanisms of action, benefits and side effects as well as the various possible uses of colchicine in rheumatology. Furthermore, a brief preview of potential new areas for use of the drug, which are also of interest to rheumatologists, are presented.

[Statement of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) on the use of video consultations in rheumatology]. / Stellungnahme der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie e. V. (DGRh) zur Anwendung der Videosprechstunde in der Rheumatologie.

For several years video consultations have been regarded as a new form of medical healthcare infrastructure, in addition to personal doctor-patient contacts and have also been partly promoted. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected topicality and attention to the use of video consultations. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung) decided on special regulations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduce previous obstacles to the use of telemedicine and video consultations (and also partly of conventional telephony). The present statement of the German Society of Rheumatology (DGRh) on the use of video consultations is intended to give an overview of in which form and with which limitations video consultations can be used in rheumatology in Germany. It sketches an outlook on how video consultations can undertake which functions in rheumatological care in the future.

[Telemedicine in rheumatology]. / Telemedizin in der Rheumatologie.

Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, in recent months we have experienced deep changes in our daily and professional lives. In the context of pandemic containment, routine rheumatological procedures have changed in many areas. To guarantee sufficient protection against the infection for patients and staff, telemedicine (especially telephone and video consultation) has increasingly been used. Due to the Digital Healthcare Act (DiGAV), whereby patients will have a legal claim to specific digital health applications in Germany, medical apps and wearables will offer new opportunities for telemedical monitoring. This article provides an overview of telemedical care options in the field of rheumatology. Furthermore, opportunities and limitations of telemedicine in rheumatology are reviewed.