Rheumatology and Medical Patients

Occupational Therapy with Rheumatology Patients

The objectives of Occupational Therapy with Rheumatology patients are:

• Maintaining and maximising functional abilities
• Joint protection

This comprises of education, advice, the provision of small aids and equipment and the manufacture/fitting of thermoplatic and pre-made splints.

In-patients are seen at St Lukes's Hospital where an initial assessment takes place. Information gained from this assessment determines any further input required, e.g. kitchen assessment, eating assessment, provision of equipment, a home visit etc.

Outpatients are seen within the Occupational Therapy department at St Luke's Hospital following a referral from the Rheumatology Consultants or their GP. Here they are assessed for the provision of small aids and/or fitted with splints to aid joint protection and maintain independence.

Education and advice on pathology of their condition together with information on joint protection and energy conservation principles are provided.

Occupational Therapy Involvement on Medical Wards at St Luke's Hospital

 At St Luke's Hospital there are several medical wards covering a range of ages and clinical conditions..

They all benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach comprising of Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Medical Staff, Pharmacists, Social Workers, Dietitians and Speech Therapists.

Referrals

Referrals are received in written/ or verbal form and collected from the wards on a daily basis. Some wards may also have team meetings or ward rounds where referrals may be received verbally.

Occupational Therapy Role

All patients receive an initial interview to determine their usual functional abilities, social situation etc.

Assessments completed may include:

• Activities of daily living/self care
• Perceptual
• Cognitive
• Psycho-social
• Home Assessment/ Enviromental visit 
• Safe, independent use of adaptive equipment

Based upon these assessments a treatment plan is devised and provided through the therapeutic use of activities of daily living.

There is usually a rapid turnover on the medical wards, and as such, the primary role of the Occupational Therapist is often to help facilitate a safe discharge. Again a team approach is adopted, but with the Occupational Therapist assessments and home visit often central to this process.