Rheumatoid arthritis![]() Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, disabling auto-immune disease. It is characterised by inflammation in the peripheral joints, which causes swelling, stiffness, pain and progressive joint destruction. However, RA is also a multisystem disorder that affects other areas of the body including the eyes, lungs and cardiovascular system. The estimated prevalence of RA in adults in England is 1.4%, equating to around 580,000 people (National Audit Office 2009). RA affects three times as many women as men and has a peak age of onset of 40–70 years. Life expectancy in patients with RA is reduced: a 50-year-old woman with RA is expected to die 4 years earlier than a 50-year-old woman without RA. Early diagnosis, timely referral and holistic management of the condition are the keys to optimising outcomes. This resource, consisting of five assessment questions at intermediate level, tests your knowledge of the diagnosis and management of RA based on national guidance. Complete the resource, including the further reading and some or all of the suggested activities, to obtain a certificate for one hour of continuing professional development to include in your annual portfolio. Aims and objectivesOn completion of this resource, you should have an understanding of:
Further readingArthritis Research UK. The approach to the patient presenting with multiple joint pain, 2012 http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/health-professionals-and-students/reports/hands-on/hands-on-autumn-2012.aspx NICE CG79. Rheumatoid arthritis: The management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults, 2009 http://publications.nice.org.uk/rheumatoid-arthritis-cg79 ResourcesRheumatoid Arthritis Support Network (RASN) Practice Nurse featured articlesRheumatoid arthritis: diagnosis and management Sarah Ryan Less common rheumatological diseases: an introduction Sue Brown Further education and trainingRelevant courses from Education for Health Assessing and managing joint problems in primary care: the knee – interactive study day Assessing and managing patients with joint pain – eLearning (supported by 2 study days) Date of preparation: September 2014 Review date: September 2015 |
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