An occupational therapist (OT) assesses and evaluates the patient, develops an individualized treatment plan, and educates patients and their families to adapt environments, modify tasks, and use equipment to promote independent function and help gain, or maintain, full participation in self-care, daily home tasks, work or school, and leisure or play. The OT teaches principals of energy conservation, joint protection, and stress management to minimize fatigue, reduce pain, and improve safe performance in daily activities.
A clinical psychologist assesses the individual’s and family’s psychological status and ability to cope with the patient’s disease. Based on evaluation, the clinical psychologist tailors a treatment plan to meet the needs of the patient for a short or long-term treatment. A psychosocial assessment provides the basis for the social worker’s intervention. The assessment includes evaluation of the patient’s resources, strengths, and support systems. A social worker can guide the patient in more effectively negotiating the health care system, maximizing personal and social resources in dealing with the acute and long-term issues on managing a chronic disease, and identifying community resources that assist the patient in returning to functional independence.
As you can see, it takes all kinds of professionals to successfully treat patients with rheumatic disease. Their responsibilities are varied, but each plays an integral role in the overall patient care. As stated earlier by Jones, accurately diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases can be challenging, but knowing we have an experienced team of rheumatology health and office professionals means the challenge will be met. the rheumatologist
Dr. Borenstein is clinical professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at George Washington University Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., and in private practice at Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates there. Contact him via e-mail at [email protected]. Dr. James is president of the ARHP. Contact her at [email protected].
