Authors (including presenting author) :
Ho MP (1), Fu TY (1), Ho TKC (2), Wong TKC (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Grantham Hospital,
(2) The Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology Unit, Grantham Hospital
Introduction :
Polyarthralgia and polyarthritis are common presentations of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Physiotherapy Department and the Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology (RCI) Unit in Grantham Hospital collaborated to provide a new outpatient physiotherapy service aiming to enhance self-management skills in RCI patients for coping with disease progression. Physiotherapists educate RCI patients self-management skills on joint protection, proper posture, efficient biomechanical movements and healthy lifestyle, in addition to the usual management of musculoskeletal diseases.
Objectives :
To review the outcomes of the physiotherapy service for patients with rheumatic diseases.
Methodology :
Patients were referred by rheumatologists to physiotherapy. Self-reporting assessment form and body chart were given to patients to report the severity and distribution of painful joints. Physiotherapists provided outpatient service and communicated with rheumatologists regarding the goals of treatment and changes of patients’ conditions. Satisfaction survey was completed by patients.
Result & Outcome :
From July 2020 to November 2022, 352 patients were referred to physiotherapy service. 181 patients were discharged from the physiotherapy service and 137 (76%) were females. 66% of patients (N= 120 patients) completed the satisfaction survey. Among these patients, 17% of patients (N= 21 patients) received 12 sessions or above due to multiple joints pain, with average of 33 sessions received. 83% patients (N= 99 patients) received less than 12 sessions, with average of 8 sessions received
Patients were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (84, 47%), ankylosing spondylitis (19, 11%), osteoarthritis (18, 10%) or other rheumatic diseases (58, 32%). Mean number of painful areas referred by rheumatologists and complained by patients were 1.1 parts and 2.1 parts per patient respectively. Range of patient complained painful area is 1 to over 10 regions. The most affected body parts were lower back (84, 47%), knee (78, 43%) and shoulder joint (72, 40%).
Patient-reported average improvement of physical condition was 71%. Average self-management confidence and average satisfaction towards the program were 7.9 marks and 8.7 marks out of 10 respectively.
93% of patients agreed that this program provided a clear and effective service with a good attitude from physiotherapists; sufficient exercise and information; smooth appointments booking and registration; clean and comfortable environment; and satisfactory amount of treatment sessions and treatment time.
Conclusion
Patients reported improvement in physical conditions and increased confidence in self-management after completion of the program. High satisfaction scores were given to the service regarding the treatment effectiveness, service quality, environment and staff attitude.
