P117 Nailfold capillaroscopy: a survey of current UK practice and 'next steps' to facilitate generalised uptake. (23rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eden, Martin; Wilkinson, Sarah; Murray, Andrea; Bharathi, Praveen Gurunath; Taylor, Chris; Payne, Katherine; Herrick, Ariane L
• Is Part Of: Rheumatology. Volume 61(2022)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2022-04-23
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac133.116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-0324

Abstract

Abstract: Background/Aims: Nailfold capillaroscopy has a key role in the assessment of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) providing a window of opportunity for the early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Anecdotal evidence indicates that this opportunity is not being fully realised across UK rheumatology centres. Reasons for apparent discrepancies in use of capillaroscopy may relate to a lack of expertise, confidence or equipment. Exploratory work has demonstrated the potential for an internet-based standardised system for clinical reporting of nailfold capillaroscopy images to mitigate current inequities in care provision. The overall aim of this study was to understand current practices in the diagnosis of SSc in UK rheumatology centres with specific reference to identifying barriers to the use of nailfold capillaroscopy. A secondary aim was to understand rheumatologists' views on a standardised system to facilitate the timely diagnosis of SSc. Methods: An online survey comprising closed and free-text questions was developed using expert (n = 7) opinion from clinicians, scientists and health service researchers. The survey was piloted (n = 5) and sent to UK-based rheumatologists using established electronic mailing lists between 2 nd October 2020 and 8 th March 2021. Respondents were asked to describe workloads and practices typically seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Survey responses were received from 104 rheumatologists representing centres across the UK. Wide variation in terms of workloads and practices were described (See Table 1 ). Only 41% (n = 43) of respondents reported using nailfold capillaroscopy provided at their centres. Key barriers were access to equipment and a lack of expertise in terms of acquiring and analysing images. Respondents indicated that a centralised internet-based system for storing images and sharing diagnoses would provide access to expertise and the possibility of timely diagnoses. Conclusion: Substantial variation in approaches to the diagnosis of SSc across the UK was identified. Potential benefits of a standardised system were described by respondents including the improved diagnosis and management of SSc, realising potential patient benefits and reducing current health inequalities. Survey findings provide evidence to help develop future studies to develop and evaluate the proposed new system. Disclosure: M. Eden: None. S. Wilkinson: None. A. Murray: None. P. Gurunath Bharathi: None. C. Taylor: None. K. Payne: None. A.L. Herrick: None.