Scotland's first ever online rheumatology clinic - which aims to transform the way patients are treated - has been launched by NHS Fife.
The Fife Rheumatic Disease Unit at Kirkcaldy's Whyteman's Brae Hospital has launched the pilot internet clinic, which allows local rheumatoid arthritis patients who have their disease under control to regularly assess their condition from the comfort of their own home using an online tutorial and questionnaire.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that commonly affects the joints, affects around one percent of the world's population and is three times more common in women than in men.
Patients who sign up for the new online scheme will provide their rheumatologist with regular reports through the system, and if disease activity is raised, patients will receive an automatic email notification, and an out-patient appointment will be arranged.
It is hoped that this will ensure that remission of the disease is maintained. It will also reduce the number of expensive and time consuming visits to a clinic currently required.
Dr Helen Harris, of the Fife rheumatic disease unit, said: "Remission is an extremely important goal for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and once achieved, it is essential that we are able to maintain it.
"This online clinic will not only allow us to monitor people without the need for hospital visits, but will also free up resources at the clinic to help new patients control their disease with vital early treatment.
Dr Jane Gibson, also from the Fife rheumatic disease unit, added: "Early diagnosis and treatment with effective therapies is now widely recognised as key in achieving patient remission from rheumatoid arthritis.
"It is therefore important that people from Fife are vigilant about the symptoms of the disease to ensure they get to our clinic early enough for us to be able to make a real difference.
"Symptoms to look out for include swelling in the joints, stiff joints in the morning which lasts for more than 30 minutes and reduced function of joints. People who are concerned should visit their GP for advice."
