Rheumatoid Arthritis and OT

Over the past few decades, our understanding of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has evolved quite a bit. And, that means the prognosis of RA patients has improved in turn. Many of the “classic” deformities associated with RA are becoming less common. And, as we learn more and more about RA and its impacts on patients, your OT care should evolve accordingly.

In this 1-hour podcast course, we’ll begin by discussing a research review that covers the diagnosis and treatment of RA. Then, we’ll bring on our expert guest, Cheryl Crow, MOT, OTR/L. Cheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for eighteen years.

In this episode, we’ll dive into RA therapy considerations that go beyond addressing joint pain. We’ll discuss approaching your therapy from a self-management lens, so you can empower those with RA to take more control over their daily lives and health.

This is a vastly underserved population, and we hope to ignite your passion for providing improved care to the people in your community!

Resources recommended by Cheryl

• American College of Rheumatology

• Association for Rheumatology Professionals

• USC - Center for LifeStyle Redesign

• 2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis

• Acceptance and commitment therapy

1. Based on the research, you will be able to recognize the systemic manifestations of RA.

2. Based on the research, you will be able to identify self-management interventions that fall within the OT scope of practice.

• Intro

• Breakdown and analysis of journal article

  • Why was this paper written?

  • Quick refresher: What is RA?

  • How has our understanding of RA evolved over the past few decades?

  • How is RA diagnosed?

  • What are common extra-articular manifestations of RA?

  • What are common assessments used for RA patients?

  • What is the role of OT in the treatment of RA?

  • What are the roles of other health professionals in the treatment of RA?

  • Authors’ conclusion and recommendations

  • Takeaways for OT practitioners

• Discussion on practical implications for OTs (with guest Cheryl Crow)

  1. Can you tell us about how OT and RA have been linked in your life?

  2. What were your general impressions of the article? (Annals of Internal Medicine)

  3. Do you think OTs have a role to play in caring for people with RA?

  4. Have you seen an occupational therapist for your RA?

  5. At what point in an RA patient’s journey do you think they would be most likely to be referred to an OT?

  6. The article mentioned 4 assessments. Were you familiar with them? Are there any others you would recommend OTs consider?

  7. Are there specific treatments options you would recommend OTs consider?

  8. What are some resources for OTs interested in learning about more specific interventions?

  9. Do you think there is a need for occupational therapy to have an expanded role in the management of RA?

Original Primary Article

• Rheumatoid arthritis

Updated Articles

• Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Nonoperative Management of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

• The Impact of Occupational Therapy on the Self-Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review

• A Systematic Review of Job Loss Prevention Interventions for Persons with Inflammatory Arthritis

It is the policy of OT Potential to disclose any financial and non-financial interest the provider or instructor may have in a product or service mentioned during an activity. This is to ensure that the audience is made aware of any bias of the speaker.

OT Potential pays guest speakers an honorarium for their participation, either directly or to an institution of the speaker's choosing at their request. We invite guests whose expertise often comes from practices, programs, or building products in their field. Where a speaker has a financial interest in the subject of a course, we disclose it below so you can weigh it for yourself.

OT Potential's interest in this topic: We have no financial stake in this topic. Our speaker's bio links to her own company's website and programs; we receive no compensation for those links.

Speaker interests: Cheryl Crow is the founder of Arthritis Life, an online education company, and sells the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-management program for people with RA — the subject of this course.