Get help Healthcare team Healthcare team Many people can be involved in your arthritis care. Your support group may be made up of a variety of health care providers, like a GP, rheumatologist and physiotherapist, together with a wider network of family, friends and Arthritis Ireland. A varied team that provides both professional and personal care, can give you with great help in controlling your arthritis. However, it is important to remember that you are the most important member of that team and the aims and interests the people helping you should always reflect your own. Here's a look at some of the potential members and what they do: GP Rheumatologist Rheumatology Nurse Occupational Therapist Physiotherapist Social Worker Pharmacist Dietitian / Nutritionist Orthopaedic Surgeon Chiropodist / Podiatrist Dentist Psychologist GP Your GP will take your health history and review your symptoms. To confirm the type of arthritis you have he or she will do a detailed health interview, a physical examination and tests such as blood work and x-rays. The information gathered will help to diagnose and develop your personal treatment plan. The GP will then discuss treatment options. Back to top Rheumatologist Rheumatologists are doctors that specialise in treating people with arthritis or related diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, skin and other tissues. You may be referred to a rheumatologist if you need special care or treatment. They can also refer you to other relevant health professionals. Back to top Rheumatology Nurse Nurses who are trained in arthritis care can assist your doctor in your treatment. They can also offer structured patient and family education and support services, including a telephone helpline. Some nurses are also skilled in prescribing medications and joint injections. What is an ANP? An advanced nurse practitioner in rheumatology (ANP) is a registered nurse educated to master’s degree level. Has received additional training beyond that of a registered nurse. Has experience of caring for the specific needs of rheumatology patients. Is registered to prescribe medications for their patient caseload. Is registered to practice at an advanced nursing practice level with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The ANP works within an agreed scope of practice and has met established standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). An ANP can practice independently and may also work as part of a team with other doctors, nurses and health professionals. The ANP way: Assess you by examining your joints and taking a history. Undertake joint injections if necessary. Undertake a number of assessments relevant to your specific rheumatology condition. Order and interpret specific tests, including blood tests, x-rays, DEXA scans and Ultrasounds. Manage your plan of care by identifying, developing and putting into action your care and treatment plan. Prescribe medications, increase or stop your medications when necessary. Assist and support you in decisions about your treatment preferences and care. Refer you to other members of the rheumatology team as necessary, such as the physiotherapist, occupational therapist and podiatrist. Which patients does the ANP look after? Rheumatology ANPs look after patients with various rheumatology conditions. The type of patients under the caseload of the ANP are decided locally within the rheumatology services. How will my consulatant/GP know how I am getting on? The ANP will inform your consultant on your progress and consult with them when necessary. They will also write to your GP after each visit to update them on any medications changed or investigations planned and your progress. How do I see an ANP? Following an appointment with your Rheumatology Consultant they may decide that your care may be best managed by the ANP. In this case you will be referred to the ANP. They will manage your care and appointments until necessary. Back to top Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapists (OTs) are health professionals who help people with arthritis to function independently - at home, in the workplace and in the community. They can teach you how to reduce strain on your joints while doing everyday activities, which may involve using splints or other assistive devices. OTs also teach practical stress management techniques to use in everyday life. Back to top Physiotherapist The best way to find out what exercises are best for you is to see a chartered physiotherapist. Physiotherapists have a complete understanding of how the body works and will work with you to design a treatment plan and exercise programme that meets your needs. In addition to exercise, they may also use manual or electrotherapy to help with symptom control. Back to top Social Worker Arthritis can affect many aspects of your life and, at times, can make simple tasks difficult. Family and friends may tell you how well you look - yet the truth is you are not feeling well. Social workers can help you and your family deal with these challenges. Back to top Pharmacist Pharmacists are health professionals who dispense medications and can teach you the best way to use them. They will fill your prescription for medicines and can explain their actions and side effects. Back to top Dietitian Dietitians/Nutritionists can help people with arthritis learn ways to plan, prepare and eat balanced, nutritious meals that will help you in achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Ensure that the person you see is a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI). Back to top Orthopaedic Surgeon An orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who is trained in surgical procedures that prevent or correct problems of the bones, joints and tissues around the joints. Remember that surgery for arthritis is seldom urgent but very helpful where there is severe disease. Back to top Chiropodist/Podiatrist Chiropodists/Podiatrists specialise in conditions affecting the feet. They can help you with footwear; nail care and orthotics (shoe insoles) if you have arthritis in your feet, legs or lower spine. Back to top Dentist Before embarking on any type of surgery or beginning treatment with one of the biologic agents, it is important that you visit your dentist for a check-up so that any infections, cavities etc can be treated. Back to top Psychologist Psychologists can teach you ways to cope with any difficult emotions you feel as a result of your arthritis. They can also teach you techniques to assist with managing pain. Back to top Talk to the Arthritis Ireland Helpline 0818 252 846 [email protected] Sign-up for Arthritis Ireland news and updates Donate