TITLE:
Integrated Rheumatology-Dermatology Care in Kuwait: A Model for Enhanced Outcomes and Streamlined Management
AUTHORS:
Ghaydaa Aldabie, Noura Alforaih, Mohammad Khudadah, Abeer Al Bazali, Khuloud Saleh
KEYWORDS:
Multidisciplinary Team, Integrated Care, Rheumatology-Dermatology, Kuwait
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
1,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Patients with concurrent rheumatological and dermatological conditions often face fragmented care due to traditional healthcare systems operating in silos. Integrated multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinics offer a potential solution. This review examines the implementation and impact of combined rheumatology-dermatology clinics in Kuwait, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Aim and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted from May 1 to 31, 2025, targeting 19 rheumatologists and dermatologists working in combined clinics across four government hospitals in Kuwait. The survey assessed perceptions of care, perceived benefits, challenges faced, and future directions. Results: Seventeen physicians responded (89.5% response rate). Most respondents perceived MDT clinics as highly effective, with 47.1% rating them as “very effective” and 35.3% as “extremely effective”. A majority (94.1%) agreed that diagnostic accuracy was improved, and 58.8% felt treatment plans were “very well” coordinated. All responders agreed that MDT clinics reduced referrals and testing. Key benefits included reduced need for multiple appointments (82.4%), enhanced care coordination (76.5%), earlier diagnosis (64.7%), and improved patient satisfaction (70.6%). The most cited challenges were limited clinic time (64.7%) and follow-up opportunities (35.3%). An overwhelming majority (94.1%) supported increasing the number and scope of MDT clinics. Conclusion: Integrated rheumatology-dermatology MDT clinics demonstrate potential to improve care coordination, diagnostic accuracy, and resource utilization for patients with overlapping rheumatological and dermatological conditions in Kuwait. Addressing identified challenges and expanding this model may enhance disease outcomes and establish Kuwait as a leader in integrated care.