Using social media goes beyond self-promotion, says David Deutsch. “If you can give prospective patients something that changes their lives, they will care about you.” A few thoughts on social media and rheumatology practices…
The Real Story on RA: Survey Finds Communication Gaps Between Physicians & Patients with RA
Survey results released earlier this year found that communication difficulties exist between patients and their rheumatologists for many reasons—possibly resulting in more disease activity despite advances in RA treatments. Here are tips for communicating with your patients and helping them be more proactive in their care…
E-Health, Telemedicine Pose Challenges, Offer Benefits for Patients with Arthritis
A 52-year-old woman comes to the office complaining of a two-month history of pain and swelling in the small joints of her hands, feet and knees. She says, “Doctor, I’ve been searching the Internet, and I think I have rheumatoid arthritis. I have some questions for you.” The healthcare system in the U.S. is changing…
RA Choice: A Tool to Improve Patient Literacy
Doctor-patient communication is critical for successfully treating rheumatoid arthritis. But a majority of RA patients report suboptimal shared decision making, sometimes due to language barriers, lack of time, limited health literacy and other factors. A recent pilot study sought to improve patient understanding and communication by employing an adapted medication guide and decision aid during clinical visits. Use of the tool, RA Choice, resulted in an increase in patient knowledge, and a majority of clinicians found it helpful…
From the Expert: New Insights into Treating Pregnant Patients with Rheumatic Disease
The approach of under-treating rheumatic disease in pregnant patients is changing, according to Bonnie Lee Bermas, MD. Dr. Bermas discusses with The Rheumatologist the need for more research on how drugs affect this patient group, and how timing of conception and disease stability play important roles in the safe outcomes of mother and infant…
Ethics Forum: Physicians Face Ethical Quandary Discussing Poor Prognosis with Patients
Over the course of a month, you diagnose systemic sclerosis in two newly evaluated patients. Their responses to the news could not be more different. Patient 1 is a previously healthy 55-year-old man who is an avid bicyclist and skier. He presents with a several-month history of rapidly progressive skin tightening extending to the proximal…
Patients Leaving Hospitals Often Don’t Understand Care Plans
(Reuters Health)—Many patients leaving the hospital don’t understand follow-up care plans because the instructions are tailored to people with higher reading levels and more education, a recent U.S. study suggests. The American Medical Association already recommends that written health information be targeted to a sixth grade audience because nearly half of the U.S. population is…
Patients OK with Secure Web Portals for Test Results
(Reuters Health)—Of all the ways for patients to receive their medical test results, one option—password-protected websites—appears to be preferred much of the time, a study suggests. U.S. researchers surveyed about 400 adults and found they were generally comfortable with web portals regardless of how sensitive the test results might be. This was among the most…
Online Tool Helps RA Patients Make Informed Decisions
Should you escalate care to a biologic? Many RA patients find this decision difficult and may need extra support and education to come to an informed decision. A recent study on this issue tested the value of a Web-based interactive decision support tool, which was developed with patient and physician input. After eight weeks, patients using the tool showed a measurable increase in the objective and subjective knowledge needed for making an informed decision compared with standard care…
Electronic Health Records Present Communication Challenges for Physicians
Digitized patient records have transformed how clinicians record, understand clinical information