Meeting the needs of persons with complex, chronic diseases is increasingly challenging in a healthcare environment where the demand for high-quality comprehensive services is coupled with dwindling resources. According to the Institute of Medicine, “the ability to plan care and practice effectively using multidisciplinary teams takes on increasing importance as the proportion of the population with chronic conditions grows.”1 This kind of collaboration is increasingly important to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive patient-centered care.
Twenty Questions, Part 2
Outcomes measures can standardize care—but they can’t standardize patients
Keep ACR at the Table
Without your help, ACR will lose its clout at the AMA
Your Representatives on Capitol Hill
Government Affairs Committee advocates on behalf of the ACR and all rheumatologists
A Day in the Life of Gay Kuchta, OT
Treating children with rheumatologic diseases takes a unique approach. “You shouldn’t treat them as little adults,” says Gay Kuchta, OT, who works in pediatrics at the Mary Pack Arthritis Program at Vancouver Hospital in British Columbia. “They take special consideration.”
The Value of Mentoring in ARHP
In today’s unpredictable healthcare environment, mentoring new healthcare professionals is more important than ever. Most of us have benefited from mentors: Individuals who provided us with the guidance, encouragement, and challenges to help us grow personally and professionally.
Time to Get Involved with ARHP
In June, the ARHP Nominations Committee will develop a slate of officers and identify volunteers to serve on committees and taskforces for the 2007-2008 leadership year. Volunteering is rewarding, offers a great education, and is an opportunity to meet colleagues across disciplines and geographical regions.
UPDATE: Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant Rheumatology Training Program
The ACR/ARHP NP and PA Post Graduate Rheumatology Training Program is well on its way to meeting its target for launching in fall 2007. This program grew out of needs expressed by members of ACR and ARHP as well as workforce changes.
Audioconference: Management of Fibromyalgia
Tremendous progress is being made in the area of fibromyalgia,” says Dan Clauw, MD, professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and moderator of the March 14 audioconference on the current management of fibromyalgia. “However,” he continues, “as in many fields of medicine, those who are not directly involved in fibromyalgia research and treatment are not aware of the progress that has been made.”
Twenty Questions, Part 1
What disease scores can teach you about rheumatology