[AVBC 2025] Transforming Care Delivery with Self-Monitoring Arthritis and Rheumatology Telemedicine (SMART-RA)
Care Continuum
Technology
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
National Healthcare Group
10 November 2025
The Self-Monitoring Arthritis and Rheumatology Telemedicine Rheumatoid Arthritis (SMART-RA) Clinic aims to reduce the burden. This technology-enabled model demonstrates the potential for scaling digital health solutions to enhance chronic disease management.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 10 November 2025
Tags: Technology, Care Continuum, Digital Health, Telehealth, Tele-Monitoring, Productivity, Time Saving, Manhour Saving
About this Content
Aims
The Self-Monitoring Arthritis and Rheumatology Telemedicine Rheumatoid Arthritis (SMART-RA) Clinic aims to reduce the burden for both patients and healthcare providers.
Background
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common chronic disease that requires regular follow-up with Rheumatologists.
Methods
The SMART-RA Clinic represents an initiative launched by Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)s Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology. Patients who had stable disease with no recorded flare-ups or medication escalation in the preceding 12 months, stable laboratory parameters over 6 months, ability to complete Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID 3), and demonstrated medication adherence were recruited for this service. Patients with active disease, first-time consults, or non-adherence were excluded.
Results
The mean age of the 36 recruited was 60 years, with the majority being female and of Chinese ethnicity. The SMART-RA service effectively reduced medical manpower requirements by enabling doctors to assess patient results remotely. Patient time spent at TTSH decreased from approximately 150 minutes to 35 minutes per visit, representing an 80% time saving. The programme freed up 72 consultation slots annually.
Conclusion
This technology-enabled model demonstrates the potential for scaling digital health solutions to enhance chronic disease management and patient-centred care delivery.
Lessons Learnt
The SMART-RA clinic successfully demonstrates that technology-enabled care can maintain clinical quality whilst optimising healthcare resources.
Additional Information
See poster appended/below.
Keywords
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Telemedicine, SMART-RA, Digital Health, Time Saving
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Rheumatology |
Project Lead(s) | Tan Wei Lynn Justina |
Project Member(s) | Chuanhui Xu |
Connect with this contributor!
Tan Wei Lynn Justina - justina_tan@ttsh.com.sg