Telemedicine in SLE patients

ABSTRACT

Remote care and telemedicine (TM) can improve healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in chronic diseases. During the pandemic, the clinical management of patients with SLE, who are at risk of severe COVID-19 infection, was undermined. TM care was widely advocated by national and international rheumatology societies. Ad hoc use of TM has been frequent during the pandemic. In this session, the evidence surrounding TM use in the management of patients with SLE before and after the onset of COVID-19 outbreak will be discussed. Local experience with some practical points to consider in using TM delivered care for follow-up of SLE patients will also be shared. The ultimate goal of TM will be to achieve safety and effectiveness that is comparable to traditional care, and improve efficiency without increasing costs and healthcare disparity.