To gain insight into the current management of RA in Japan, a survey was done at the 44th annual meeting of Japan Rheumatism Association in 2000.
Four hundred and ninety clinicians responded to our survey, including 212 internists and 252 orthopedists, respectively. In the management of RA, there was a wide difference between their present behaviors and the ideal way they believe. In particular, an appropriate communication between internists and orthopedists was lacking. There was a wide variation in their evaluations and prescribing behaviors. The treatment of RA in Japan turned out to be unique compared with those in the US and Europe. Prescriptions with little evidence were not unusual.
There was a great variation among Japanese clinicians in the management of RA. These results might be associated with poor outcomes of RA patients in Japan. Dissemination of information concerning the management of RA, such as guidelines, as well as the establishment of a better health care system is necessary.