Nurses Are Effective In Assisting Suffers Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In

Nurses Are Effective In Assisting Suffers Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Nurses Are Effective In Assisting Suffers Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Maintaining Mobility Andquality â€" Essay Example > Effectiveness of Rheumatology Nurses in Assisting Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Maintaining Mobility and Quality of LifeRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent form of musculoskeletal disease. It is an inflammatory and systemic disease chiefly of the lining of the joints or the synovium. It is marked by pain and stiffness lasting for more than 1 hour in the morning or after a rest, and loss of function in the joints. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that results to alterations in the synovial membrane and articular structures, extensive fibrinoid degeneration of the collagen fibres in mesenchymal tissues, and by atrophy and rarefaction of bony structures. As the disease progresses, it causes deformities which are lumps (called rheumatoid nodules) usually in the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand in a symmetrical pattern which means occurring similarly on both sides of the body (2003). Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the major sources of chronic pain and disability affecting the mobility and quality of life of millions of people worldwide. In Australia, as of June 2000, approximately 3.1 million of the populace is suffering from RA. This estimate accounts to approximately 16.5% of the population (Access Economics Pty Limited, 2001)Almost 60% of Australians suffering from RA belong to the workforce ages 15-64 years and this fact has a significant impact on socioeconomic aspect by subtracting from Australia’s productive potential. It hits women three times more than men. It is estimated that 15.8% of the female population have arthritis (Access Economics Pty Limited, 2001)Arthritis has a major economic impact. The figures above correlate to a considerable cost to the healthcare system and to the patient in terms of direct (medical expenses) and indirect costs (loss of earnings, early retirement). In general as of June 2000, the economic impact of arthritis costs the Australian economy roughly 9 billion dollars per year ( 1.4% of gross domestic product or $A469 per Australian) as estimated by (Access Economics Pty Limited, 2001). Out of pockets expenditures of all patients related to healthcare on the average is approximately $A1513 yearly. Notably, women spent more than men and the group below 65 years old spent considerably more than the older group. Expenditures cover prescription and non-prescription medication, assistive devices, tests and professional consultations (Lapsley et al. , 2002)With regards to the social aspect impact of RA, Lapsley et al. (2002) showed that sixty-five (65%) of the 81 participants testified that rheumatoid arthritis impinged on their social relationships. Consequently, the most common outcome was reduced opportunity for social interaction, seconded by reduced opportunity for sports or outdoor activity. Forty-six (46%) of the participants reported getting aid and support from family. relatives, and friends in the performance of various activities such as domestic indo or duties, shopping, carrying heavy items, domestic outdoor, driving and transport, opening jars and personal hygiene. Many patient suffering from RA are referred to Rheumatology departments. RA is typified by remissions and exacerbations of the disease process. Up to present, there is still no known cure to RA which is chronic (Arthur, 1994). Since RA is one of the most prevalent and painful chronic disease worldwide, a clinical approach with specialty team is likely consisting of physician/rheumatologist, orthopaedic surgeon, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, and bioengineers (Feng, 1989). Because of the growing number of patients with RA, it is likely that disease and care management will be a fundamental part of the extended nursing roles. Nurses play a vital role in improving the delivery of healthcare. With the advent of primary care trusts, nurse prescribing and extended roles, the role and function of nurses has evolve d (Gallez, 1998). This is particularly significant in chronic disease management and the birth of Rheumatology nursing as a specialty unit or a subspecialty unit of rehabilitation, orthopaedic or medical-surgical (Pigg, 1990). Assessment done by the nurse include patient information and teaching, helpline support, pain and symptom management, medication review and blood monitoring (Oliver, 2003).