DIE MOBILE RHEUMAHILFE - EINE AMBULANZSPRECHSTUNDE AUS DER SICHT VON ARZTEN UND PATIENTEN

The acceptance of a university-based outpatient department (Department of Rheumatology, Hannover Medical School, FRG) has been investigated. Ninety-five former patients with RA, previously treated in the department were interviewed by phone. 312 general practitioners from the city of Hannover received a mailed questionnaire. Patients were asked why they had left outpatient department care; questions for general practitioners dealt with types of referral. Despite high satisfaction with the outpatient unit in both groups, we found several shortcomings which possibly might influence discontinuation of treatment and non-utilization of the department: patients and physicians criticized the scheduling system and waiting times. Both groups complained of frequently changing doctors. The general practitioners wanted more contact with the department and more information about the unit. A small group of patients and referring physicians expressed resignation.