Rheumatology revealed: Updates on common diseases and referral tips for family physicians

Project Partners

Physician Learning Program (PLP)

Office of Lifelong Learning (L3)

Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta

Background

Rheumatologic care has advanced substantially, offering improved options for pain management, inflammation control, and long-term outcomes. However, many family physicians remain unfamiliar with current diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, and referral processes. This knowledge gap can delay appropriate care for patients with rheumatologic conditions, affecting their quality of life. Continued education is essential to ensure that primary care providers can effectively identify and manage these complex conditions.

Aims/Objectives

Provide timely, evidence-based updates on rheumatologic conditions to family physicians

Improve awareness of current treatment options and guidelines

Support appropriate and efficient referral to rheumatology specialists

Enhance physician confidence in managing common rheumatologic conditions

Deliver practical tools and educational resources for ongoing learning

Findings/Summary

In Fall 2024, PLP, L3, and the University of Alberta's Division of Rheumatology launched a four-part webinar series for family physicians, addressing common rheumatologic conditions. Topics included fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and gout. Each session featured expert speakers and was supported by a "Pearls for Practice" educational resource. Across the series, there were 829 total participants. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of attendees agreeing the sessions were relevant, met their learning needs, and supported implementation of practice changes. Asynchronous viewing ensured broader access and ongoing engagement. This success has prompted development of a second webinar series for Spring 2025.

Conclusions/Outcomes/Impact/Implications

The series successfully equipped family physicians with current knowledge and tools to improve the care of patients with rheumatologic conditions. It reinforced best practices for diagnosis, management, and referrals, promoting earlier interventions and better patient outcomes. The overwhelmingly positive feedback and demand for continued learning has catalyzed plans for a follow-up series, ensuring sustained knowledge translation and impact in primary care.