Population-Based Outcomes Research for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rural Health Disparities

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), delaying initiation of treatment for ≥12 weeks is associated with irreversible joint damage due to greater difficulty in achieving remission, but navigating the hurdles of the US healthcare system in this short timeframe can be challenging. Time-consuming logistical steps must be carried out to be evaluated by a qualified specialist, establish a diagnosis, and start antirheumatic drug therapy. These difficulties are exacerbated for rural residents due to the closure of rural hospitals nationwide extending the distance to healthcare facilities and the time to travel and obtain care. Additionally, there is very little information about the timing and accuracy of RA diagnosis and their associated effects on outcomes for rural residents of the US. The growing rheumatology workforce shortage further aggravates these issues, as