ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Evaluate nurse's role in management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Modified Delphi with two rounds of questionnaires, followed by in-person meeting. International group of 12 nurses experienced with RA patients receiving biologic therapy. FINDINGS: Nurses often spend more time with patients than doctors do. Nurse is in unique position to explore patient needs; educate about treatment, administration, product storage, and self-injection technique; determine readiness for and understanding of treatment; monitor safety and progress; and coordinate care within multidisciplinary setting. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse's role is complex and vitally important to optimal RA patient care. Additional nurse involvement may address unmet needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Rheumatology nurses can address unmet patient needs by expanding current roles and by adopting additional functions.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/nursing , Delphi Technique , Health Services Needs and Demand , Nurse's Role , Humans , Nurse-Patient Relations , Nursing Assessment , Patient Education as TopicABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Evaluate nurse's role in management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Modified Delphi with two rounds of questionnaires, followed by in-person meeting. International group of 12 nurses experienced with RA patients receiving biologic therapy. FINDINGS: Nurses often spend more time with patients than doctors do. Nurse is in unique position to explore patient needs; educate about treatment, administration, product storage, and self-injection technique; determine readiness for and understanding of treatment; monitor safety and progress; and coordinate care within multidisciplinary setting. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse's role is complex and vitally important to optimal RA patient care. Additional nurse involvement may address unmet needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Rheumatology nurses can address unmet patient needs by expanding current roles and by adopting additional functions.