As rheumatology care evolves into a team-based approach, the workforce is expanding to incorporate advanced practice providers, physical therapists and social workers, all of whom can play vital roles in patient care.
Beyond the Rheumatologist: Interprofessional Alliances Are Crucial to Rheumatic Care
How can we ensure patients are receiving care that addresses all of the ways rheumatic disease affects their life? In this ACR Convergence 2023 session, experts discuss the value of a strong interprofessional care team.
Healthcare Extenders Can Reduce Physician Burden & Improve Patient Access & Care
In the early 1900s, the treatment for rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD) was primarily targeted at symptomatic relief and included analgesics, physical therapy, splinting and bed rest. With the discovery of methotrexate and its impact on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, a much-needed evolution of medications targeting disease activity began. Over the past 30 years, several…
Patients Need Psychosocial Support Now More Than Ever: Q&A with Adena Batterman, MSW, LCSW
How are rheumatology professionals affected by the physical distancing and other challenges presented by COVID-19? The Rheumatologist interviewed Adena Batterman, MSW, LCSW, senior manager of inflammatory arthritis support and education programs at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, to discuss how the pandemic has changed the way she and her staff maintain continuity of…
How Rheumatologists Can Better Partner with Social Workers
When Liz Morasso, LCSW, facilitates a Families Living with Rheumatic Diseases support group at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, she empathizes with the struggles and challenges of her young patients. Ms. Morasso was only 16 years old when she was diagnosed with both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She knows all too well…
A Bridge Between Patients & Rheumatologists: What Social Workers Want Rheumatologists to Know
An integral part of the rheumatology care team, social workers can address specific issues related to a patient’s overall wellbeing. Here are some insights into how rheumatologists can better partner with social workers as part of the interdisciplinary team to ensure better patient outcomes…
The Social Workers’ Role in Rheumatology Care & Patient Advocacy
Patients with rheumatic disease require a team of specialists working together to meet the patient’s needs. Social workers can advocate for these patients and play a variety of other roles to help them manage their disease…
Rheumatologists, Social Workers Collaborate to Help Patients with Lupus
At the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), New York, rheumatologists and social workers have found that an interdisciplinary approach to care for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients improves the overall patient experience. “Our goal is to help patients navigate the complex healthcare system,” says Jillian Rose, LCSW, MPH, assistant director, Community Engagement, Diversity & Research….
The Role of the Social Worker in the Management of Rheumatic Disease
Although social work involvement is far more common in the pediatric world of rheumatology, the role social workers play in the clinic can also be beneficial to adult patients.