ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pediatric Rheumatology is an orphan specialty in Africa which is gradually gaining importance across the continent. MAIN BODY: This commentary discusses the current state of affairs in the sphere of Pediatric Rheumatology across Africa and offers practical strategies to navigate the challenges encountered in research, models of care, education and training. We outline the establishment, opportunities of growth and achievements of the Pediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR). CONCLUSION: This commentary lays the foundation for establishment of a formidable framework and development of partnerships for the prosperity of Pediatric Rheumatology in Africa and beyond.
Subject(s)
Child Health Services , Patient Care Management/methods , Pediatrics , Rheumatic Diseases , Rheumatology , Africa/epidemiology , Child , Child Health Services/organization & administration , Child Health Services/standards , Child Health Services/trends , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , Models, Organizational , Pediatrics/education , Pediatrics/trends , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/organization & administration , Rheumatic Diseases/epidemiology , Rheumatic Diseases/therapy , Rheumatology/education , Rheumatology/methods , Rheumatology/organization & administration , Rheumatology/trendsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To identify the changes in rheumatology service delivery across the five regions of Africa from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The COVID-19 African Rheumatology Study Group created an online survey consisting of 40 questions relating to the current practices and experiences of rheumatologists across Africa. The CHERRIES checklist for reporting results of internet e-surveys was adhered to. RESULTS: A total of 554 completed responses were received from 20 countries, which include six in Northern Africa, six in West Africa, four in Southern Africa, three in East Africa and one in Central Africa. Consultant grade rheumatologists constituted 436 (78.7%) of respondents with a mean of 14.5 ± 10.3 years of experience. A total of 77 (13.9%) rheumatologists avoided starting a new biologic. Face-to-face clinics with the use of some personal protective equipment continued to be held in only 293 (52.9%) rheumatologists' practices. Teleconsultation modalities found usage as follows: telephone in 335 (60.5%), WhatsApp in 241 (43.5%), emails in 90 (16.3%) and video calls in 53 (9.6%). Physical examinations were mostly reduced in 295 (53.3%) or done with personal protective equipment in 128 (23.1%) practices. Only 316 (57.0%) reported that the national rheumatology society in their country had produced any recommendation around COVID-19 while only 73 (13.2%) confirmed the availability of a national rheumatology COVID-19 registry in their country. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has shifted daily rheumatology practices across Africa to more virtual consultations and regional disparities are more apparent in the availability of local protocols and registries.
