ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the length of delay in diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, and to indicate the main factors responsible for such delays.Material and methodsA retrospective multi-centre questionnaire survey carried out among 197 patients with diagnosed inflammatory rheumatic diseases or undergoing the diagnostic process.ResultsThe most common early symptoms of inflammatory rheumatic disease included joint pain (94%), joint swelling (78%), morning joint stiffness (77%), fatigue (76%), and sleep disturbed by joint pain (74%). When asked about the reasons for seeking medical help, most patients indicated intensification of the symptoms (89%) and the fact that the symptoms made them unable to perform daily activities or work (86%). Limited access to specialists (70%) and the conviction that the symptoms will resolve spontaneously (57%) had the biggest impact on delaying a visit to a doctor. Before visiting a rheumatologist, the patients consulted their symptoms with their general practitioners (GPs, 95%), orthopaedicians (43%), and neurologists (29%). Almost half of the patients (48%) consulted their symptoms with at least 2 non-rheumatologists, whereas as many as 21% of patients visited 4 or more specialists. After the onset of symptoms of rheumatic disease, 28% of patients delayed seeing any doctor for 4 months or longer. 36% of patients waited 4 months or longer for a referral to a rheumatologist. The great majority of the patients (85%) made an appointment with a rheumatologist within a month of receiving a referral. 25% of patients waited 4 months or longer to see a rheumatologist.ConclusionsDiagnostic delays result from both the level of patients’ awareness (ignoring early symptoms) and improper functioning of the health care system. In the case of the health care system, the source of delays is not only “queues to rheumatologists”, but also referring patients to non-rheumatologists.

Artur Grabowski: Wolność prowadzenia działalności gospodarczej w obszarze sportu profesjonalnego / Freedom of business activity in the area of professional sport .

Objectives: The global crisis, which the outbreak of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic undoubtedly is, has forced healthcare facilities to implement a variety of sanitary procedures. These have strongly affected the staff, contributing to decreased work motivation and occasional refraining from work caused by the threat of infection. The purpose of this study was to assess the human resource management practices implemented by the managers at the Rymanow Health Resort in the first two months after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak had been declared. Research Design & Methods:The study used the direct interview method (PAPI) and inference based on participatory observation. The respondents were medical workers employed in the health resort hospital and rehabilitation centre. 96% of the respondents participated in the PAPI survey, which is over 70% of the surveyed population. Participatory observation data was obtained from a member of the management of the healthcare facility. Findings:The respondents pointed to their increased and changed workload. Despite concerns about their own health and life, only one-third of the employees used various forms of refraining from work during the pandemic. The vast majority of the respondents positively assessed the actions taken by the employer in the first two months after the Polish government had declared the state of emergency.Implications / Recommendations: The main resource that is crucial for the success of the organisation delivering healthcare services is the employees, as it is them who design and utilise solutions, create organisations, and actively participate in their functioning. With regard to the employees of institutions providing healthcare services, ensuring security in work environment is paramount due to the units' responsibility for the achievement of public interest and the administration of public funding. This is why it is so important for the employers to take action to create a friendly work environment, which is absolutely necessary for the healthcare sector to accomplish its mission. Contribution / Value Added:The results led to the formulation of the thesis that the procedures implemented by the employer yielded measurable effects, as employees decided to stay in their workplaces despite the risks posed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Purpose – Analysis of the reasons for cyber exclusion of the elderly and a statistical illustration of this phenomenon in Poland Research method – Literature review, analysis of current statistical data, synthesis. Results – The introduction of modern ICT-based solutions can significantly help older people to remain independent and maintain a high quality of life. This is facilitated by strategic initiatives funded by the European Union, encouraging public units to take action to increase digital competences in society. Originality / value / implications / recommendations – Highlighting the role of public governance units in creating an ecosystem of support for building access to ICTs and increasing digital competence.