Multidisciplinary models for pregnancy care in patients with rheumatic diseases: Clinical experiences and experts opinion

Objectives: To describe different models of multidisciplinary pregnancy care for patients with inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and the steps to follow concerning their implementation.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted including: (1) a comprehensive literature search in PUBMED focused on multidisciplinary care models; (2) structured interviews with seven rheumatologists from multidisciplinary pregnancy clinics for patients with inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Data were collected related to the hospitals, medical departments, populations cared for, and multidisciplinary care models (type, material, and human resources, professional requirements, objectives, referral criteria, agendas, protocols, responsibilities, decision-making, research and educational activities, multidisciplinary clinical sessions, initiation/start, planning, advantages/disadvantages, and barriers/facilitators for implementation); (3) a nominal meeting group in which the results of searches and interviews were analyzed and the recommendations for the implementation of the multidisciplinary care models defined.

Results: We analyzed seven models of multidisciplinary care in pregnancy, implemented 3-10 years ago, which can all be summarized by two different subtypes: parallel (patients are assessed the same day in the involved medical services) and preferential (patients are assessed on different days in the involved medical services) circuits. The implementation of a specific model results rather from an adaptation to the hospital’s and professionals’ circumstances. Correct planning and good harmony among professionals are key points to implementing a model.

Conclusion: Different multidisciplinary care models have been implemented for patients with inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases during pregnancy. They pretend to improve care, system efficiency, and collaboration among specialists and should be carefully implemented.

Cite this article as: Pluma A, Alsina L, Baniandre´s O, et al. Multidisciplinary models for pregnancy care in patients with rheumatic diseases: Clinical experiences and experts opinion. Eur J Rheumatol. 2022;9(4):191-196.