Rheumatology manpower in the public system in Catalonia (Spain).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the current state of Rheumatology in Catalonia and to update the information regarding previous studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS DESIGN

Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. Data collection from January to June 2017.

SAMPLE

Rheumatologists practising public healthcare activity in Catalonia. An online questionnaire was sent to gather individual data and data from rheumatology services/sections.

RESULTS

Information was obtained on 109 rheumatologists: 39 men and 70 women; mean age: 47±9 years. The number of rheumatologists has increased by 8% over the past 5 years. One hundred and one (92.7%) doctors qualified as rheumatologists through the MIR. Rheumatology practice was mostly in a hospital setting: 68 (62.4%) physicians. Ninety-six (88.1%) rheumatologists were full-time practitioners. Fifty-four (50%) rheumatologists also practiced in the private sector. Clinical practice was predominant: 76% of daily time was devoted to this area. Of note, it was found that most of the rheumatology services, 24 (705), were dependent hierarchically on other services, namely internal medicine and orthopaedic surgery. There are still 6 hospitals in Catalonia without a rheumatologist.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of rheumatologists in the public health sector of Catalonia has increased over the past 5 years. The mean age of rheumatologists is advanced and there is a clear predominance of female practitioners in the specialty. Many rheumatology services depend on other services. Rheumatology activity is primarily focussed in the city of Barcelona.