The survey showed that although 89% of all RA patients surveyed say they have goals for managing their condition, 76% of those who currently see a rheumatologist to manage their RA have not set treatment goals with their doctor.
Going Beyond Office Visits
Given that rheumatologists typically have a limited amount of time to spend with each patient, Dr. Dikranian encourages physicians to look at non-traditional ways to counsel and empower patients outside of office visits.
“There are RA support groups where patients can get more information on such topics as dietary therapy and how to handle fatigue,” Dr. Dikranian says. “Websites including Creaky Joints, also offer support and education to RA patients and their families.”
Other ways rheumatologists are working to enhance patient communication include:
- Empowering Patients: Cindy McDaniel, senior vice president of consumer health for the Arthritis Foundation in Atlanta, says the Arthritis Foundation’s Better Living Toolkit provides patients with a health tracker and information about how to manage their RA, as well as a guide to arthritis.org and a jar opener that makes everyday tasks easier.
“The health tracker allows RA patients to track their pain in a symptom journal,” Ms. McDaniel says. “Patients can then share the information with their doctors to help form a treatment plan.” - Educational seminars: Rheumatologists at the Eastern Maine Medical Center held a free educational seminar in November 2014 that outlined RA symptoms and highlighted the advanced treatments that can target inflammation and reduce symptoms. Catholic Health in Buffalo, N.Y., has also offered free seminars where a rheumatologist presents an overview of the disease, discusses symptoms, prevention strategies, diagnosis and treatment options.
- Group appointments: In recent years, Dr. Dikranian notes that some doctors have begun holding group appointments where they see up to a dozen patients with a chronic condition, such as RA, all at once. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the number of group appointments offered by physicians has doubled since 2005.
Group appointments allow doctors to treat more patients, spend more time with them, increase appointment availability and improve health outcomes. A typical session lasts two hours and is covered by insurance, and patients sign an agreement promising not to disclose what they discuss at the meeting. - Support groups: Ms. McDaniel says the Arthritis Foundation offers both in-person support groups through their chapters around the country and also online.
In addition, many medical centers offer their own support groups for RA patients. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York offers two free support and education groups for people with RA. Its Living with RA: Lecture, Lunch and Conversation meets 10 times per year on the third Thursday of the month from noon to 2:00 p.m. Lectures by arthritis care experts are followed by a discussion facilitated by a clinical social worker and a rheumatology nurse.
