EVIDENCE BASED ROLE OF SPECIALIST NURSE, PHYSIOTHERAPIST AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Hasnayan Sabir

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

EVIDENCE BASED ROLE OF SPECIALIST NURSE, PHYSIOTHERAPIST AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Hasnayan Sabir

Abstract :

Rheumatological disorders are prevalent in India (0.7%). Prevalence reported: RA (0.4%), OA knees (3.4%), Spondyloarthritis (0.3%), AS (0.1%) etc. Due to the systemic nature of these disorders, multidisciplinary follow–up is necessary for the proper management of the impact of the disease on various aspects of life. MDT should include specialist nurse, physiotherapist and occupational therapist. Specialist nurse is a trained nurse who has experience in looking after patient�s physical, emotional and social needs. People with arthritis referred to a specialist nurse as soon as disease has been diagnosed and their treatment planned.Physiotherapist provides care in a variety of setups including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices and rehabilitation centers. Various physiotherapy modalities such as heat, cold, electrical therapy, and hydrotherapy are used. Occupational therapist provide means for the prevention of functional limitations, adaptation to lifestyle changes and improvement of psychosocial health