A Survey Study on Rheumatologist Consultation Time in Korean Hospitals

Objective.In Korea, short physician consultation time has been a cause of concern as it compromises the care provided.This study was aimed at finding the actual and optimal consultation time per patient for rheumatology outpatient clinic in Korea.Methods.The surveys were prepared based on a study of the literature and consisted of multiple-choice questions as well as additional open questions.Surveys were conducted from November to February, 2018∼2019.Rheumatologist members of the Korean College of Rheumatology were invited to complete the web-based survey as well as paper survey.Results.The mean duration of consultation allocated to a new and an established patient was found to be 12.3 and 4.8 minutes, respectively, which corresponded to only 22%∼35.3% of perceived optimal consultation time.On the other hand, the intrusion of physician autonomy for optimal patient care by the hospital executive was manifest such that only 4.7% responded discretion in allocating consultation time for patients and that 61.3% replied that they have been restrained from keeping the adequate outpatient clinic volumes.Sixty six percent of respondents replied that insufficient consultation time affects patient safety including errors in prescription.Conclusion.Rheumatology consultation time is very insufficient compared to optimal situation.A drastic change in health care policy promoting good quality of care, such as appropriate compensation which guarantees sufficient consultation time, as well as strong policy to control excessive profit-driven management policy of the hospitals is urgently needed.(