Tele-rheumatology: An innovative approach to filling the treatment gap

Chit Soe¹, Khin Thuzar Wynn², Pyae Paing³

Published in Volume 68, No. 1, 2026 January – March issue
https://doi.org/10.64455/xmma0018

Abstract
Background: The shortage of rheumatologists in Myanmar makes it hard for people in rural areas to get the specialised care they need. Tele-rheumatology could help fill this gap in healthcare by offering virtual consultations with experienced specialists.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed at a private rheumatology specialist clinic in Yangon, encompassing tele-consultations from January to December 2022. Demographic and clinical information from all of the patients who went to virtual clinics were reviewed.

Results: A total of 689 patients (609 females, 80 males; aged 4-83 years) received 1,271 tele-consultations. Most follow-ups were done every three to four months. People from all over Myanmar, as well as some from abroad used the service. Most of the patients had stable diseases and benefitted from reduced travel costs and time on travel while still getting care from the same specialist. The main limitations were technical ones, like slow internet connections and lack of technical knowledge.

Conclusion: Tele-rheumatology made it much easier to get specialist care for people with rheumatic diseases in Myanmar’s under served areas. Even though technology wasn’t perfect, it worked adequately as a shared-care model that improved patient satisfaction and provide continuity of care.

Keywords: Tele-rheumatology, Tele-health, Rheumatology care, Myanmar, Shared-care model, Access to healthcare

1. Retired Professor and Head, Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine (1), Yangon, Myanmar
   President of Myanmar Rheumatology Society, Yangon, Myanmar
2. Research Co-Ordinator and Consultant Physician, Member of Myanmar Rheumatology Society, Yangon, Myanmar
3. Research Assistant, Internal Medicine Trainee 1, Airedale Hospital, UK
   Corresponding author: [email protected]