06 October 2021
BSR has created UK-wide referral criteria guidance, in response to recommendations in the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) and National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit (NEIAA) reports. This guidance serves to support adult rheumatology departments and primary care to ensure that rheumatology departments see the right patients promptly.
Our Chief Executive Ali Rivett says: "This newly-written guidance continues our efforts to put the GIRFT and NEIAA recommendations at the forefront of our work to help improve patient care. The NEIAA found only 47% of patients with suspected early inflammatory arthritis are seen within three days. This criteria will help ensure the right people are seen promptly by a specialist."
Adult rheumatology departments all differ, with referrals to rheumatology influenced by local musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and pain services. This new guidance provides a template for services across the UK on the core conditions that benefit most from specialist rheumatology care.
Read our guidance