A work-related question ...

[SootyB]

I thought I'd put all of my recent research into inflammatory arthritis and its associated conditions to good use, and write a presentation to deliver to the rest of the team at a staff meeting. My boss has recently put me in charge of training and development, so it fulfills my role a bit.

So, my question is ... what conditions and topics should I definitely cover to improve everyone's understanding of inflammatory arthritis, for the benefit of patients? I don't really want this to be just a fact-finding mission - it needs to really improve the way that we treat and communicate with patients with RA, PsA, fibro, etc.

[watson3]

As part of my teaching and assessing re it. I made an inter active -CD. It contained all the relevant information for a test performed on out unit.

It has now been added to the computer for all students and nurses to access. Also had interactive quiz.....

Include:

Physical

Emotional

Financial

Therapeutic

Holistic

Sprints

Physio

Poditry

Occ therapy

DWP

Support net.works

Also try a quiz to improve and test staff knowledge.

Eg Wearing of splints

Accessing building in a wheelchair

See it from the patients perspective.

Hope these ideas help.

Carole

A

[SootyB in reply to watson3]

Ooh, lovely - thanks, Carole! xx

[Dotty7]

Try to get people to understand that these are systemic diseases, and that the arthritis part is only one aspect of it. Meds can have controlled the joint pain, but sufferers can still be suffering.

[Hidden]

Yes hear hear to Dotty's point that's exactly what I wanted to say! And the drugs we take are also very powerful and have lots of unpleasant side effects for many so that can affect our work output, energy levels and state of mind as much as the disease - and we are expected to stay on them or add new drugs into the equation over a lifetime too unlike diseases such as cancer. Emphasize the systemic nature and move away from the arthritis a little - that's what I'd like more health professionals to do. Tilda x

[Beth58]

Hi

I did quite a few presentations to social services teams and always felt it important to include the mental health aspect and how long term chronic ill health impacts on a persons whole body and not only the sufferers physical and mental well being but also their families/carers.

I know your talking specifically about Inflammatory Arthritis but how about including other hidden disabilities I'm sure there's other people within the workplace with other conditions.

Current changes to the welfare system also have a massive impact on stress levels, so a person with any disability not only has the stress of work affecting their condition.

How simple things can help ease workbased stress levels such as;

Work based assessments (aids and addaptions)

Rearranging office furniture

Changing rota's

Flexi time

Paid time out for hospital appointments

All of these things can help ease the stress on a disabled person.

Hope this is of some help and the presentation is a success.

Beth xx

[heatherp]

I think one of the most important things is to make the employee feel that they have the flexibility required and allow them to adapt to symptoms / side effects as they arise. Many of these illnesses are inconsistent in the way they make us feel, as are the drugs and their side effects.

I have been so lucky in that my employer has been completely understanding and helpful and always made me feel I have their support. Because of that I have never been in any way stressed or made to feel guilty if I'm not feeling great at times. I also repay the favour and still work full time and more and am always open and honest about things. They have even adapted the company health insurance policy to give me maximum benefit, and go out of their way with the small things (like a laptop bag on wheels so I don't have to pick up the brick with painful hands and particularly painful ankles!)

[SootyB]

Thanks, all - keep the ideas coming! I've set myself a long deadline for this one, as I have a feeling that I may need plenty of time to compile everything and make sure that it's everything I want it to be. Usually, I deliver medicine-based presentations, but the rheumatologists have already been in for that, so I really want to make this one about the patients, their perspective, and how having this type of chronic condition impacts on their lives.

Sara xx

[earthwitch]

Biggest things for me are that pain and disability aren't always obvious (i.e. you might look fine), and you can be OK one day and really bad the next (i.e it changes a lot). If people stop assuming you are fine if you look OK, and recognise that things change very quickly, then that will help a lot. Also the "spoon theory" (google it if you haven't heard of it) is a great way of explaining fatigue and energy levels.

[nutty in reply to earthwitch]

Well said earthwitch, I've started off today with 2 spoons, aching muscles ect ect, so works a non starter, i need a lot more spoons for that, as you may well understand, it's an up-hill struggling day for me.. if you look Ok, there's nothing up with you !! I wish...