Nursing support at the onset of rheumatoid arthritis: Time and space for emotions, practicalities and self‐management

Abstract

The offer to attend a nurse clinic soon after diagnosis allowed RA patients to discuss a wide range of practical and self-management issues. However, most patients also took the opportunity and time to discuss emotional reactions and adaptations to diagnosis. The data suggest an unmet need for emotional support that a nurse clinic might be able to provide.

‘Extra information a bit further down the line’: Rheumatoid arthritis patients' perceptions of developing educational material about the cardiovascular disease risk

“…Gaining a deeper understanding of a patients' personal experience of living with RA allows us to appreciate the context in which further decisions about their health will be made. The emotional impact of a diagnosis of RA has, similarly, been described in other studies (Cox, 2004;Hehir et al, 2008). This study adds that potential improved control of their RA is the primary reason why patients have implemented behaviour change.…”

‘It's quite hard to grasp the enormity of it’: Perceived needs of people upon diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

“…The literature suggests that in early disease, group education does not stimulate the adoption of new self-management behaviours, or have a lasting effect on symptoms (Hammond et al, 2004;Riemsma et al, 2004), but groups could be a way of meeting informational needs at the time of diagnosis. An activity analysis of the letters sent out to family physicians from the pilot new patient support clinic indicated that strong emotions were expressed (Hehir et al, 2008); therefore, skills in managing emotions in a group setting would be vital.…”

Physical-activity coaching and health status in rheumatoid arthritis: A person-oriented approach

“…The possibility to communicate with a physical-activity coach at least once a month during a year and for personal meetings every third month might have been a valuable source for clearing up different question related to the disease and body functions. It has been suggested that patients with RA value having health professionals to talk to, and receiving information and emotional support from them [50], as well as sharing and discussing distress and fears for the future [51]. However, support, praise, practical assistance and information from e.g.…”