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Real-world data are crucial to continuously improve the management of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The German RheumaDatenRhePort (RHADAR) registry encompasses a network of rheumatologists and researchers in Germany providing pseudonymized real-world patient data and allowing timely and continuous improvement in the care of RMD patients. The RHADAR modules allow automated anamnesis and adaptive coordination of appointments regarding individual urgency levels. Further modules focus on the collection and integration of electronic patient-reported outcomes in between consultations. The digital RHADAR modules ultimately allow a patient-centered adaptive approach to integrated medical care starting as early as possible in the disease course. Such a closed-loop system consisting of various modules along the whole patient pathway enables comprehensive and timely patient management in an unprecedented manner.

BackgroundThe worldwide burden of musculoskeletal diseases is increasing. The number of newly registered rheumatologists has stagnated. Primary care, which takes up a key role in early detection of rheumatic disease, is working at full capacity. COVID-19 and its containment impede rheumatological treatment. Telemedicine in rheumatology (telerheumatology) could support rheumatologists and general practitioners. ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to investigate acceptance and preferences related to the use of telerheumatology care among German rheumatologists and general practitioners. MethodsA nationwide, cross-sectional, self-completed, paper-based survey on telerheumatology care was conducted among outpatient rheumatologists and general practitioners during the pre-COVID-19 period. ResultsA total of 73.3% (349/476) of survey participants rated their knowledge of telemedicine as unsatisfactory, poor, or very poor. The majority of survey participants (358/480, 74.6%) answered that they do not currently use telemedicine, although 62.3% (291/467) would like to. Barriers to the implementation of telemedicine include the purchase of technology equipment (182/292, 62.3%), administration (181/292, 62.0%), and poor reimbursement (156/292, 53.4%). A total of 69.6% (117/168) of the surveyed physicians reckoned that telemedicine could be used in rheumatology. Surveyed physicians would prefer to use telemedicine to communicate directly with other physicians (370/455, 81.3%) than to communicate with patients (213/455, 46.8%). Among treatment phases, 64.4% (291/452) of participants would choose to use telemedicine during follow-up. Half of the participants would choose telecounseling as a specific approach to improve rheumatology care (91/170, 53.5%). ConclusionsBefore COVID-19 appeared, our results indicated generally low use but high acceptance of the implementation of telerheumatology among physicians. Participants indicated that the lack of a structural framework was a barrier to the effective implementation of telerheumatology. Training courses should be introduced to address the limited knowledge on the part of physicians in the use of telemedicine. More research into telerheumatology is required. This includes large-scale randomized controlled trials, economic analyses, and the exploration of user preferences.

Background: Thoracic surgery is an expanding surgical specialty, but a shortage of qualified and motivated thoracic surgery residents is expected. It is estimated that around 23 % of all surgical specialist jobs will be vacant by 2030. We therefore need to assess the current clinical situation and urgently improve the recruitment and training of our next generation of surgeons. Methods: Using the online survey (Lime Survey), a questionnaire (28 questions) was created to analyze the current nationwide situation of residency in thoracic surgery. The survey was sent to all postgraduate trainees in thoracic surgery departments in Germany. The current status on residency-programs, scientific interest, the attractiveness of thoracic surgery, and the demographics of the participants were evaluated. The survey also evaluated specific ways to increase attractiveness.The survey was conducted in collaboration with “Frauen in der Thoraxchirurgie” by the “Junges Forum der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie”. The survey was sent to all residents and young specialists in Germany. A total of 187 participants responded. Results: Out of 187 participants, 123 questionnaires (65.8 %) were completed. Mean age was 36.3 ± 6.9 years. 62.6 % of the participants were male. About 70 % work in an independent thoracic surgery department, while the rest is affiliated with another specialty department. 50 % have completed a doctorate in medicine. Conclusion: The development of an objective and structured training plan could define the roles and responsibilities of the senior surgeon and the trainee, leading to improved training and, at the very least, ensuring good recruitment of junior thoracic surgeons.

Abstract Background Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with significant cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity. However, screening for early detection of pulmonary involvement especially interstitial lung disease (ILD) is not established in RA. Methods We propose a non-invasive radiation-free approach to screen for interstitial lung involvement (ILI) by means of pulmonary function tests (PFT) and pleuro-pulmonary transthoracic ultrasound (LUS) with additional cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) with ECG, and echocardiography. We included patients with confirmed diagnosis of seropositive RA according to ACR criteria, but without symptoms for or known cardiopulmonary disease. ILD was suspected when significant LUS abnormalities and additional PFT changes were present. Results We included 67 consecutive patients (78% female, mean age 61 ± 12 years, 48% active or previous smokers), who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and gave written informed consent. We found 48% of patients with suspected changes in PFT with a diffusion capacity (DLCOc-SB) ≤ 80%, among them 7% with forced vital capacity (FVC) ≤ 80%. In 40% of patients, we found noticeable changes in LUS, 24% with an ILD compatible pattern. In 16% of cases, LUS abnormalities and additional PFT changes were present, and ILI was suspected. Additional findings included obstructive lung disease (n = 11), subpleural consolidation (n = 6) including one confirmed lung cancer, minimal pleural effusion (n = 6), and ischemic cardiac disease (n = 2). None of the patients showed signs of pulmonary vascular involvement. Conclusions ILI was suspected in 16% of cases using a new radiation-free screening protocol in asymptomatic RA patients. Trial registration German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS00028871).

Abstract This exploratory qualitative study aims to gain a people-centered understanding of the patient journey in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 individuals diagnosed with axSpA, aged 18 years and older, who were purposively recruited from a rheumatologic practice in southern Germany. The interviews were carried out as web-based video calls between September and October 2021, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed according to Kuckartz’s qualitative content analysis. Patient journey narratives encompassed both healthcare journeys and personal journeys. Healthcare journeys were characterized as fragmented and difficult to navigate, with diagnosis often marking a turning point toward more coordinated care. Post-diagnosis, new challenges emerged (e.g., time management for treatment). Personal journeys comprised perceptions of axSpA in social contexts (e.g., stigmatization) and the continuous interplay of comorbidities and biographical events with healthcare related to axSpA. This study proposes a people-centered perspective on the patient journey in axSpA, emphasizing the interplay of biographies, comorbidities, and social context with healthcare events. Recognizing these personal factors in clinical practice is encouraged to address complex health needs and tailor treatment to each individual. Further efforts should promote collaboration between medical disciplines and integrate healthcare and social support at all stages of the axSpA patient journey.

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated telemedicine to be an effective tool to complement rheumatology care and address workforce shortage. With the COVID-19 outbreak, telemedicine experienced a massive upswing. An earlier analysis revealed that the motivation of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases to use telemedicine is closely connected to their disease. It remains unclear which factors are associated with patients’ motivation to use telemedicine in certain rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases groups, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ObjectiveThis study aims to identify factors that determine the willingness to try telemedicine among patients diagnosed with RA. MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of data from a German nationwide cross-sectional survey among patients with RA. Bayesian univariate logistic regression analysis was applied to the data to determine which factors were associated with willingness to try telemedicine. Predictor variables (covariates) studied individually included sociodemographic factors (eg, age, sex) and health characteristics (eg, health status). All the variables positively and negatively associated with willingness to try telemedicine in the univariate analyses were then considered for Bayesian model averaging analysis after a selection based on the variance inflation factor (≤ 2.5) to identify determinants of willingness to try telemedicine. ResultsAmong 438 surveyed patients in the initial study, 210 were diagnosed with RA (47.9%). Among them, 146 (69.5%) answered either yes or no regarding willingness to try telemedicine and were included in the analysis. A total of 22 variables (22/55, 40%) were associated with willingness to try telemedicine (region of practical equivalence %≤5). A total of 9 determinant factors were identified using Bayesian model averaging analysis. Positive determinants included desiring telemedicine services provided by a rheumatologist (odds ratio [OR] 13.7, 95% CI 5.55-38.3), having prior knowledge of telemedicine (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.46-6.28), residing in a town (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.21-7.79) or city (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.23-1.27), and perceiving one’s health status as moderate (OR 1.87, 95% CI 0.94-3.63). Negative determinants included the lack of an electronic device (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.01-0.62), absence of home internet access (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02-0.39), self-assessment of health status as bad (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.89) or very bad (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.06-2.06), and being aged between 60 and 69 years (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.22-1.04) or older than 70 years (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.85). ConclusionsThe results suggest that some patients with RA will not have access to telemedicine without further support. Older patients, those not living in towns, those without adequate internet access, reporting a bad health status, and those not owning electronic devices might be excluded from the digital transformation in rheumatology and might not have access to adequate RA care. These patient groups certainly require support for the use of digital rheumatology care.

BackgroundSafety recommendations for Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) issued by the European Medical Agency (EMA) in 2023 could potentially influence treatment patterns for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drugs, but little is known about the impact of these recommendations in routine clinical care.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the German RHADAR rheumatology database for adult patients with RA and documentation of a new therapy with a JAKi, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), or interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor (IL-6Ri). Data were grouped into half-yearly intervals from quarter (Q)2/2020 to Q3/2023. The period from Q4/2022 to Q1/2023 immediately followed the initial EMA endorsement of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommendations and Q2/2023-Q3/2023 immediately followed the direct healthcare provider communication (DHPC) containing the new safety JAKi recommendations.ResultsBetween April 1, 2020 and September 23, 2023, 3008 newly initiated therapies for TNFi (1499 [49.8%]), JAKi (1126 [37.4%]), and IL-6Ri (383 [12.7%]) were documented by the treating physicians. JAKi were increasingly used in the first two half-year periods (from 29.7% of these therapies in Q2/2020-Q3/2020 to 46.7% in Q2/2021-Q3/2021; odds ratio [OR] 2.08; p3rd-line therapy in later time periods.ConclusionsThis exploratory study suggests that EMA safety recommendations for JAKi influenced treatment patterns of RA patients who received JAKi in Germany. Additional studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

BackgroundThe diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) is often delayed due to unspecific symptoms and a shortage of rheumatologists. Digital diagnostic decision support systems (DDSSs) have the potential to expedite diagnosis and help patients navigate the health care system more efficiently. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a mobile artificial intelligence (AI)–based symptom checker (Ada) and a web-based self-referral tool (Rheport) regarding IRDs. MethodsA prospective, multicenter, open-label, crossover randomized controlled trial was conducted with patients newly presenting to 3 rheumatology centers. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a symptom assessment using either Ada or Rheport. The primary outcome was the correct identification of IRDs by the DDSSs, defined as the presence of any IRD in the list of suggested diagnoses by Ada or achieving a prespecified threshold score with Rheport. The gold standard was the diagnosis made by rheumatologists. ResultsA total of 600 patients were included, among whom 214 (35.7%) were diagnosed with an IRD. Most frequent IRD was rheumatoid arthritis with 69 (11.5%) patients. Rheport’s disease suggestion and Ada’s top 1 (D1) and top 5 (D5) disease suggestions demonstrated overall diagnostic accuracies of 52%, 63%, and 58%, respectively, for IRDs. Rheport showed a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 47% for IRDs. Ada’s D1 and D5 disease suggestions showed a sensitivity of 52% and 66%, respectively, and a specificity of 68% and 54%, respectively, concerning IRDs. Ada’s diagnostic accuracy regarding individual diagnoses was heterogenous, and Ada performed considerably better in identifying rheumatoid arthritis in comparison to other diagnoses (D1: 42%; D5: 64%). The Cohen κ statistic of Rheport for agreement on any rheumatic disease diagnosis with Ada D1 was 0.15 (95% CI 0.08-0.18) and with Ada D5 was 0.08 (95% CI 0.00-0.16), indicating poor agreement for the presence of any rheumatic disease between the 2 DDSSs. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the largest comparative DDSS trial with actual use of DDSSs by patients. The diagnostic accuracies of both DDSSs for IRDs were not promising in this high-prevalence patient population. DDSSs may lead to a misuse of scarce health care resources. Our results underscore the need for stringent regulation and drastic improvements to ensure the safety and efficacy of DDSSs. Trial RegistrationGerman Register of Clinical Trials DRKS00017642; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00017642

Abstract Several conventional cross-sectional studies have investigated the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and reached contrary results regarding health and well-being. As analysis of web search data already provided insights into public interest and unmet needs, this study aimed to examine axSpA-related web searches before and during COVID-19 pandemic to gain a different perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on this disease. The Google Ads Keyword Planner was used to generate axSpA-related keywords and their monthly number of searches between June 2018 and November 2021 in Germany. These keywords were qualitatively classified into seven categories. A total of 538 axSpA-related keywords were used for the analysis. The number of axSpA-related searches increased during COVID-19 pandemic (before: n = 1,525,010 vs. during: n = 1,848,300), particularly searches for symptoms, disease outcomes, and causes, while interest in disease management and diagnosis decreased. This study demonstrated a shift in public interest in axSpA during COVID-19 in Germany and highlights an urgent expansion of telemedicine to be prepared for exceptional situations such as a pandemic.

Workforce shortage and the increasing burden of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases lead to extreme time constraints in rheumatology outpatient care. Digital services promise to facilitate care by relieving employees and unleash new capacities. This study aims to explore the perspectives of early adopter health care professionals (HCP) on digital transformation in outpatient rheumatology. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with rheumatology nurses and physicians in 3 German rheumatology outpatient clinics, each characterized by an advanced level of digital adaption. Qualitative data were subsequently analyzed using deductive-inductive qualitative content analysis. Interviews with 11 rheumatology nurses and 5 rheumatologists were completed. Three key themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (i) Digital transformation of care; (ii) impact of digital transformation on health care delivery; and (iii) perceived drivers of successful digitalization. The interviews revealed that digital technologies are widely used throughout the complete patient pathway. Digitalization enables more continuity and flexibility in rheumatology care. Patient information can be electronically obtained in a standardized manner prior to planned visits, enabling an informed consultation and more time for in-depth patient discussion. Although digitalization restructures work, it can also increase the current workload. Improved accessibility for patient calls leads to more work for HCP. Important drivers of successful digital technology implementation are low-threshold and interoperable services, a medical team that is interested and educated in eHealth, and comprehensive patient information and onboarding. Digital transformation is increasingly redefining rheumatology care. While accelerating communication and workflows, improved service accessibility leads to more work for HCP.

ObjectiveTreatment options with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have evolved over recent years. In addition to Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), four classes of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs; interleukin [IL]-23 inhibitors [IL-23i], IL-12/23 inhibitors [IL-12/23i], tumor necrosis factor inhibitors [TNFi], and IL-17 inhibitors [IL-17i]) are currently approved for moderate to severe PsA treatment. There is minimal evidence of the persistence of these drugs among PsA outpatients in a real-world scenario during the period following the approval of JAKi. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the drug survival rates of biologic and JAKi therapies among German PsA outpatients during routine clinical care.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed PsA patients with a new prescription for a biologic or JAKi in the RHADAR database between January 2015 and October 2023. Kaplan-Meier Curves and Cox regression modelling were used to compare drug survival rates.Results1352 new prescriptions with bDMARDs (IL-12/23i [n=50], IL-23i [n=31], TNFi [n=774], IL-17i [n=360]) or JAKi (n=137) were identified. The 5-year drug survival rate was 67.8% for IL-17i, 62.3% for TNFi, 53.3% for JAKi, and 46.0% for IL-12/23i. Discontinuation probabilities for JAKi and IL-12/23i were significantly higher compared with TNFi (JAKi hazard ratio [HR] 1.66, [95% CI 1.23–2.24], p=0.001; IL-12/23i HR 1.54, [95% CI 1.02–2.33], p=0.042) and IL-17i (JAKi HR 1.77, [95% CI 1.27–2.47], p=0.001; IL-12/23i HR 1.64, [95% CI 1.06–2.55], p=0.027). JAKi-treated patients had more severe disease and more osteoarthritis (OA) compared to TNFi and more OA compared to IL-17i. ConclusionGerman PsA outpatients might persist longer with TNFi and IL-17i compared with IL-12/23i or JAKi. For TNFi, differences in subgroup characteristics and comorbidities (OA) may have affected drug survival rates. For IL-17i, the longer drug survival might not only be related to less OA compared to JAKi and, therefore, might be affected by other factors.

Abstract Breeding for resilience to climate change requires considering adaptive traits such as plant architecture, stomatal conductance and growth, beyond the current selection for yield. Robotized indoor phenotyping allows measuring such traits at high throughput for speed breeding, but is often considered as non-relevant for field conditions. Here, we show that maize adaptive traits can be inferred in different fields, based on genotypic values obtained indoor and on environmental conditions in each considered field. The modelling of environmental effects allows translation from indoor to fields, but also from one field to another field. Furthermore, genotypic values of considered traits match between indoor and field conditions. Genomic prediction results in adequate ranking of genotypes for the tested traits, although with lesser precision for elite varieties presenting reduced phenotypic variability. Hence, it distinguishes genotypes with high or low values for adaptive traits, conferring either spender or conservative strategies for water use under future climates.

Abstract Background Self-administration of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) can be performed using injection pen devices by women undergoing assisted reproductive technology procedures. The objective of this study was to explore the use of the prefilled follitropin alfa pen in routine assisted reproductive technology procedures in Germany. Methods This prospective, observational study was conducted across 43 German IVF centres over a period of 1.75 years. Patients who had used the prefilled follitropin alfa pen in the current or a previous cycle of controlled ovarian stimulation completed a questionnaire to assess their opinions of the device. Results A total of 5328 patients were included in the study. Of these, 2888 reported that they had previous experience of daily FSH injections. Significantly more patients reported that less training was required to use the prefilled follitropin alfa pen than a syringe and lyophilized powder (1997/3081 [64.8%]; p < 0.001 'less' versus 'more' training). Significantly more patients rated the prefilled follitropin alfa pen as easier in terms of use (2321/3206, 72.4%; p < 0.001 'much more easy' versus 'less easy') and daily injection (2384/3262, 73.1%; p < 0.001 'much more easy' versus 'less easy') than existing injection methods. Approximately one third of respondents rated the prefilled follitropin alfa pen as easier to use than the follitropin beta pen with reloadable cartridges. The majority (3378/4024, 83.9%) of patients had a general preference for the prefilled follitropin alfa pen over other injection methods. Conclusions In this questionnaire-based survey, routine use of the prefilled follitropin alfa pen was well accepted and associated with favourable patient perceptions. Users of the pen found it easier to initially learn how to use, and subsequently use, than other injection methods. In general, the prefilled follitropin alfa pen was the preferred method for self-administration of gonadotrophins. Together with previous findings, the results here indicate a high level of patient satisfaction among users of the prefilled follitropin alfa pen for daily self-administration of r-hFSH.

Abstract Background The Fbw7 ubiquitin ligase promotes the rapid degradation of several important oncogenes, such as cyclin E, c-Myc, c-Jun, and Notch. The two fission yeast homologs of Fbw7, pop1 and pop2, have previously been shown to dimerize. In this study, we asked whether Fbw7 can also dimerize and how dimerization affects Fbw7 function. Results We found that Fbw7 binds efficiently to itself through a domain just upstream of its F-box. We further show that dimerization is essential for the stable interaction of Fbw7 with the cyclin E T380 phospho-degron. Surprisingly, the requirement for dimerization can be suppressed by an additional phosphorylation of this phospho-degron at the +4 position (S384), which creates a binding site with higher affinity for monomeric Fbw7. Conclusion Degradation of cyclin E by the Fbw7 pathway can, thus, be conditionally regulated either by Fbw7 dimerization or by hyperphosphorylation of the T380 phospho-degron. Other substrates, which cannot accommodate an extra phosphate in their phospho-degrons, or which don't provide a negatively charged amino acid in the +4 position, may be absolutely dependent on Fbw7 dimerization for their turnover. Our results point to an additional level of regulation for substrate interaction and turnover by Fbw7.

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated telemedicine (TM) to be an effective tool to complement rheumatology care and address workforce shortage. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, TM experienced a massive upswing. A previous study revealed that physicians’ willingness to use TM and actual use of TM are closely connected to their knowledge of TM. However, it remains unclear which factors are associated with patients’ motivation to use TM. ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the factors that determine patients’ willingness to try TM (TM try) and their wish that their rheumatologists offer TM services (TM wish). MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of data from a German nationwide cross-sectional survey among patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD). Bayesian univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to the data to determine which factors were associated with TM try and TM wish. The predictor variables (covariates) studied individually included sociodemographic factors (eg, age and sex) and health characteristics (eg, disease type and health status). All the variables positively or negatively associated with TM try or TM wish in the univariate analyses were then considered for the Bayesian model averaging analysis after a selection based on the variance inflation factor (≤2.5). All the analyses were stratified by sex. ResultsOf the total 102 variables, 59 (57.8%) and 45 (44.1%) variables were found to be positively or negatively associated (region of practical equivalence ≤5%) with TM try and TM wish, respectively. A total of 16 and 8 determinant factors were identified for TM try and TM wish, respectively. Wishing that TM services were offered by rheumatologists, having internet access at home, residing 5 to 10 km away from the general practitioner’s office, owning an electronic device, and being aged 40 to 60 years were among the factors positively associated with TM try and TM wish. By contrast, not yet being diagnosed with an RMD, having no prior knowledge of TM, having a bad health status, living in a rural area, not documenting one’s health status, not owning an electronic device, and being aged 60 to 80 years were negatively associated with TM try and TM wish. ConclusionsOur results suggest that health status, knowledge, age, and access to technical equipment and infrastructure influence the motivation of patients with RMD to use telehealth services. In particular, older patients with RMD living in rural areas, who could likely benefit from using TM, are currently not motivated to use TM and seem to need additional TM support.

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated telemedicine (TM) to be an effective tool to complement rheumatology care and address workforce shortage. With the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, TM experienced a massive upswing. However, in rheumatology care, the use of TM stagnated again shortly thereafter. Consequently, the factors associated with physicians’ willingness to use TM (TM willingness) and actual use of TM (TM use) need to be thoroughly investigated. ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the factors that determine TM use and TM willingness among German general practitioners and rheumatologists. MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of data from a German nationwide cross-sectional survey with general practitioners and rheumatologists. Bayesian univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to the data to determine which factors were associated with TM use and TM willingness. The predictor variables (covariates) that were studied individually included sociodemographic factors (eg, age and sex), work characteristics (eg, practice location and medical specialty), and self-assessed knowledge of TM. All the variables positively and negatively associated with TM use and TM willingness in the univariate analysis were then considered for Bayesian model averaging analysis after a selection based on the variance inflation factor (≤2.5). All analyses were stratified by sex. ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed that out of 83 variables, 36 (43%) and 34 (41%) variables were positively or negatively associated (region of practical equivalence≤5%) with TM use and TM willingness, respectively. The Bayesian model averaging analysis allowed us to identify 13 and 17 factors of TM use and TM willingness, respectively. Among these factors, being female, having very poor knowledge of TM, treating 1000 patients per quarter were positively associated with TM use. In addition, being aged 51 to 60 years, thinking that TM is not important for current and future work, and not currently using TM were negatively associated with TM willingness, whereas owning a smart device and working in an urban area were positively associated with TM willingness. ConclusionsThe results point to the close connection between health care professionals’ knowledge of TM and actual TM use. These results lend support to the integration of digital competencies into medical education as well as hands-on training for health care professionals. Incentive programs for physicians aged >50 years and practicing in rural areas could further encourage TM willingness.

Background: Safety recommendations for Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) issued by the European Medical Agency (EMA) in 2023 could potentially influence treatment patterns for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drugs, but little is known about the impact of these recommendations in routine clinical care. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the German RHADAR rheumatology database for adult patients with RA and documentation of a new therapy with a JAKi, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), or interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor (IL-6Ri). Data were grouped into half-yearly intervals from quarter (Q)2/2020 to Q3/2023. The period from Q4/2022 to Q1/2023 immediately followed the initial EMA endorsement of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommendations and Q2/2023-Q3/2023 immediately followed the direct healthcare provider communication (DHPC) containing the new safety JAKi recommendations. Results: Between April 1, 2020 and September 23, 2023, 3008 newly initiated therapies for TNFi (1499 [49.8%]), JAKi (1126 [37.4%]), and IL-6Ri (383 [12.7%]) were documented by the treating physicians. JAKi were increasingly used in the first two half-year periods (from 29.7% of these therapies in Q2/2020-Q3/2020 to 46.7% in Q2/2021-Q3/2021; odds ratio [OR] 2.08; p<0.001). The proportion of initiated JAKi therapies decreased significantly after the PRAC recommendations (32.9%; OR vs peak 0.56; p=0.001) and the DHPC letter (26.1%; OR vs peak 0.40; p<0.001). JAKi were more likely to be used as >3rd-line therapy in later time periods. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that EMA safety recommendations for JAKi influenced treatment patterns of RA patients who received JAKi in Germany. Additional studies will be needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]