Arthritis Ireland Referral Programme What is Arthritis Ireland's Clinic Referral Programme? What is involved in the Arthritis Ireland Clinic Referral Programme? Confidentiality Patients who engage in effective self-management are better able to manage their condition. What is Arthritis Ireland's Clinic Referral Programme? An integral part of the rheumatology model of care A bespoke service for those diagnosed with arthritis An introduction to self-management Tailored information and support A direct route to Arthritis Ireland’s suite of services and supports Back to top What is involved in the Arthritis Ireland Clinic Referral Programme? With your consent, your clinic or healthcare professional refers you to Arthritis Ireland Arthritis Ireland will contact you to arrange a convenient time for a conversation During this conversation, there is time to address all aspects of day-to-day life with arthritis, including – Diagnosis Pain Fatigue Employment Family Relationships Anxiety *Crucially, this service does not interfere with, nor replace, treatment with your rheumatology clinic or by any other medical professional. The programme emphasises supported self-management – whereby the individual patient is in control of their condition but is supported by Arthritis Ireland throughout their journey. Back to top Confidentiality Arthritis Ireland respects your privacy and believes that everything our callers tell us, including the fact that they have contacted us, is confidential. This means that anything discussed, or any information disclosed to our helpline volunteers cannot be communicated to anyone outside of the organisation. Arthritis Ireland’s commitment to complete confidentiality means that we do not disclose information that has been divulged by a caller, even if the caller remains anonymous. Confidentiality is an essential element of any helpline service as it encourages people to be completely open and honest with volunteers when they call. It is the act of speaking to someone with total confidence that the information will not be passed on that offers huge emotional release, reduced stress and helps people to think through their problems logically. Confidentiality will only be breached if – someone is in immediate danger and you are able to demonstrate and record, intent. someone is at risk to others volunteers/staff are threatened or feel their safety is at risk we receive information about a bomb threat or terrorism *Arthritis Ireland will always try to gain consent before breaching confidentiality, though this cannot be guaranteed. There may be occasions when calls are listened to by a staff member/helpline volunteer. This is solely to assist in training, support volunteers and monitor our service. Back to top Our national helpline is a member of Helplines Partnership, the membership body for organisations providing information and support via phone, email or online. We have met the relevant criteria to become part of the membership. Arthritis Ireland is a member of Helplines Partnership - this means we have met the relevant criteria to become part of the membership. Arthritis Ireland wishes to acknowledge the support of Manage Cookie Preferences