Rheumatology & the Shifting Patient Landscape

In Sum

The landscape of patient access to knowledge, other patients and understanding of rheumatic disease is rapidly changing and will continue to do so while more individuals access ready sources of information. However, much of that information may not guide patients to the correct diagnoses or management strategies. Rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals need to continue to help our patients sort through available information and misinformation to provide expertise on what is certain and what is not yet known, and serve as trusted sources to inform healthcare decision making.

Marissa Blum, MD, MSHPR, is an associate professor of clinical medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where she is also currently obtaining her master’s degree in bioethics.

Rachel Dayno, MD, is a rheumatology fellow at the University of Pennsylvania.

Anna Wexler, PhD, is an assistant professor of medical ethics and health policy at the University of Pennsylvania, and is the principal investigator of the Wexler Lab, where she studies the ethical, legal and social issues surrounding emerging technology.

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