Rheumatology - A Qualitative Review of Community and Hospital Based Delivery Models

Abstract

Over recent years the increasing pressures on hospital based services has raised the question as to whether more clinical facilities can be provided in the community. Accordingly, commissioning groups have focused much of their energy towards research into whether this shift in healthcare models is feasible, cost-effective and satisfactory to both patients and healthcare providers. Specialties which lend themselves towards the possibility of community based models of care include those that manage patients with chronic but stable diseases and Rheumatology, in particular, has been a focus of such research.