Assessment of timely diagnosis practices in pediatric rheumatology: A survey of Current Trends and Challenges in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Paediatric rheumatic illnesses comprise a spectrum of inflammatory disorders. These ailments persist as the leading cause of acquired disability in children. Pediatric rheumatology is still deemed a puzzling field of pediatric healthcare, particularly among underdeveloped regions. This study aimed to address key aspects of pediatric rheumatology care in Pakistan through a multi-dimensional framework. It emphasized diagnostic practices including evaluation of challenges in diagnosis, and identifying the referral systems.

Study Design:  Cross sectional Survey

Place and Duration of study: It is multicentered survey, From October 2024 to December 2024.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online survey and convenience sampling to recruit 213 pediatricians and healthcare professionals in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire assessed PR diagnosis, referral patterns, and barriers. Participants received the survey link via social media and email, with data analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results: Most respondents (68.5%) encountered pediatric rheumatology cases occasionally, and 85.4% collaborated with specialists, though only 5.6% were very familiar with management guidelines. Referral practices were largely driven by challenges, with 56.8% referring when stuck during management and 37.1% referring before treatment. Key barriers to prompt diagnosis included inadequate training (70.4%), low public awareness (61.0%), and a shortage of specialized rheumatologists (58.2%). Familiarity with guidelines varied by educational background, with most FCPS-qualified respondents being somewhat familiar, but no significant association between familiarity and education was found.

Conclusion: The findings highlight critical barriers to prompt diagnosis of pediatric rheumatological conditions, including limited availability of multidisciplinary teams, a shortage of specialized pediatric rheumatologists, low public awareness of pediatric rheumatic diseases, insufficient awareness among healthcare providers, and inadequate training for pediatricians.

Background: Paediatric rheumatic illnesses comprise a spectrum of inflammatory disorders. These ailments persist as the leading cause of acquired disability in children. Pediatric rheumatology is still deemed a puzzling field of pediatric healthcare, particularly among underdeveloped regions. This study aimed to address key aspects of pediatric rheumatology care in Pakistan through a multi-dimensional framework. It emphasized diagnostic practices including evaluation of challenges in diagnosis, and identifying the referral systems.

Study Design:  Cross sectional Survey

Place and Duration of study: It is multicentered survey, From October 2024 to December 2024.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online survey and convenience sampling to recruit 213 pediatricians and healthcare professionals in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire assessed PR diagnosis, referral patterns, and barriers. Participants received the survey link via social media and email, with data analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results: Most respondents (68.5%) encountered pediatric rheumatology cases occasionally, and 85.4% collaborated with specialists, though only 5.6% were very familiar with management guidelines. Referral practices were largely driven by challenges, with 56.8% referring when stuck during management and 37.1% referring before treatment. Key barriers to prompt diagnosis included inadequate training (70.4%), low public awareness (61.0%), and a shortage of specialized rheumatologists (58.2%). Familiarity with guidelines varied by educational background, with most FCPS-qualified respondents being somewhat familiar, but no significant association between familiarity and education was found.

Conclusion: The findings highlight critical barriers to prompt diagnosis of pediatric rheumatological conditions, including limited availability of multidisciplinary teams, a shortage of specialized pediatric rheumatologists, low public awareness of pediatric rheumatic diseases, insufficient awareness among healthcare providers, and inadequate training for pediatricians.