Understanding the needs of older people with rheumatoid arthritis: the role of the community nurse.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have complex management needs, and older people experience additional challenges in accessing care and maintaining function. Community nurses have a vital role in supporting older people with RA. Along with a description of the presentation, diagnosis and management of RA, this article outlines the particular challenges associated with RA in older people and how community nurses can contribute to assessing patients and helping to meet their needs for care.
Oliver
Susan
S
Susan Oliver is nurse consultant in rheumatology, Litchdon Medical Centre, Barnstaple, Devon and Pennine Musculoskeletal Partnership, Oldham.
D000368:Aged; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D003152:Community Health Nursing; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006113:United Kingdom
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents