FRI0602 Eular ‘points to consider’ for the conduction of workforce requirement studies in rheumatology

Background EULAR has developed several recommendations and strategies for early referral, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. These strategies, however, can only be implemented if sufficient manpower is available. An estimation of how many rheumatologists are needed to meet current and future population needs must be provided in order to counsel health care planners and decision makers. Current methods used for forecasting manpower are disparate, as are the variables incorporated into workforce projection models. Consequently, projections for the need of rheumatologists may vary by a factor of five between studies.(1 Objectives The aim of this project was to develop EULAR points to consider on the methodology of future workforce calculation models for rheumatologists in order to produce reliable, standardised and realistic estimates. Methods The EULAR Standardised Operating Procedures were followed. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to retrieve workforce models in rheumatology and other specialities. The task force consisted of 20 experts (rheumatologists, health professionals and representatives from PARE) from 11 EULAR countries and the USA. Points to consider were based on expert opinion informed by the SLR, followed by group discussions with consensus obtained through informal voting. The level of agreement with the recommendations was voted anonymously. Results A total of 10 points to consider were formulated (table 1). The task force recommends models integrating supply (=workforce available to rheumatology), demand (=health services requested by the population) and needs (=health services that are considered appropriate to serve the population). Projections of workforce requirements should consider all factors relevant for current and future workload in and outside rheumatology patient care. Forecasts of workforce supply should consider demography and attrition of rheumatologists, as well as the effects of new developments in health care. Conclusions These are the first EULAR points to consider providing guidance on the methodology and the parameters to be applied in future national and international workforce requirement studies in rheumatology. Reference [1] Dejaco C, et al. Arthritis Care Res2016. Disclosure of Interest None declared