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The national database of the German Collaborative Arthritis Centres: I. Structure, aims, and patients

Annals of the Rheumatic DiseasesPublished 1 March 2001Open access
A. Zink, J Listing, C Klindworth, H Zeidler
Citations132
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score5.73
SNIP4.44
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TL;DR

Patients treated in specialised rheumatology units in Germany are referred earlier than in the past, which probably reflects better regional cooperation due to the implementation of arthritis centres.

Abstract

Large databases like this one give information about the patient case mix in different healthcare settings, about treatment practice, and about the consequences of disease. Patients treated in specialised rheumatology units in Germany are referred earlier than in the past, which probably reflects better regional cooperation due to the implementation of arthritis centres. University departments and outpatient clinics of rheumatology hospitals contribute considerably to the specialised care of patients with arthritis and connective tissue diseases.

Keywords

Medicine