Prevalence of rheumatic disorders (RD) is increasing drastically world wide, leading to alarming increase in physical, social and economic burden (1-2), which is preventable to a greater extent with early identification of disease & aggressive treatment. However, the primary rheumatology services particularly in rural area are inadequate.The present study was done to evaluate common mistakes in the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of common RD with the aim to rectify and create awareness among doctors and patients about the RD. Prescriptions of 168 Patients (Table-1) of RD enrolled in CHC, Katra (Rural area in J&K) over a period of 6 months were evaluated for common mistakes in there diagnosis, treatment & follow up records. Diagnosis was established/confirmed using clinical ACR criteria's & suitable investigations & patients were put on individualized treatment & are on regular follow up. The common mistakes are depicted in table -2.The findings of the present study suggest that we as doctors need to update knowledge of various aspects of basic and applied medical sciences relevant to common RD.We need to upgrade our skills & competence in diagnosis, knowledge in interpretation of investigations & treatment of patients with common RD.There is a need to create awareness of the value of supportive & complementary therapies like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, assessment and follow up. Basic training & continued education of practitioners in the field of rheumatology is need of hour
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