13 January 2022
presents data describing the association between ethnicity, experience of care as described by the quality standard for rheumatoid arthritis and clinician and patient-reported outcomes.
It found that Black, Asian and ethnic minority patients were less likely to achieve remission at three months (30% compared to 37%) and were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depression compared to white patients (33% compared to 30%), despite faster referrals and assessments than white patients.
Here are the key findings:
- 47% of Black, Asian and ethnic minority patients and 43% of white patients were referred to rheumatology services within three working days of presenting (Quality statement 1)
- 43% of Black, Asian and ethnic minority patients and 42% of white patients were assessed within three weeks of referral 2013 version of QS33 (Quality statement 2)
- A higher proportion of Black, Asian and ethnic minority patients (60%) received timely treatment compared to white patients (57%) (Quality statement 2)
- A high proportion of both groups of patients were provided with disease-related education (93% of Black, Asian and ethnic minority patients and 94% of white patients) (Quality statement 3)
- A high proportion of both groups of patients were able to access care in case of emergencies (91% of Black, Asian and ethnic minority patients and 93% of white patients) (Quality statement 4)
- 34% of Black, Asian and ethnic minority patients and 46% of white patients received a formal annual review (Quality statement 5)
Please note: NICE Quality Standard 33 (2020 version) used