Drug therapy management is a key topic for all nurses caring for patients with a rheumatologic condition. With nurses now required to prescribe, administer, monitor and review medication, this volume will help nurses develop their knowledge, skills and self-confidence to provide these services, while also advising on the benefits and risks of medication. This much-awaited second edition has been revised to address the changing face of clinical practice and distinct advances in this field, providing vital information on the latest drug treatments such as biological agents that suppress the disease and initiate remission, it will also advise on the use of selective and non-steroidal inflammatory drugs. Content is organised into comprehensive sections, with succinct chapters that discuss: Rheumatologic conditions Drug therapy The role of the nurse Patient education and adherence to drug therapy. In addition, new material explores biologic therapies; management of non-steroidal drugs; nurse prescribing; management of chronic pain; and case studies to inform clinical decision-making regarding drug therapy.

This is a core text for rheumatology nurses that gives a comprehensive review of rheumatology nursing skills and issues. Covering disease states, pathology and diagnosis, psychological and social issues, medications and treatment, symptoms and management, and patient education, this book defines the nursing role with patients who have these common ailments.

A new edition of an established research-based text on one of the fastest growing topics in nursing: nurses dealing with this complex subject need to be kept up to date and this book written by a team of expert rheumatology nurses fills that role. The book’s emphasis is on addressing the patients' problems, assessing the effects of the disease both on the body and psychologically and suggesting treatments best suited to the individual patient. It encourages nurses to work in partnership with the patients and their carers, adopting a holistic approach to care. Edited by an acknowledged international expert in the development of the specialty Covers the needs of all nurses involved with rheumatology patients both in hospital and at home Research-based and completely updated to include the latest developments in treatments available

Rheumatic diseases are the most frequent self-reported, long-standing conditions in the UK and there is an increasing demand for rheumatology services in both the hospital and community based environments. It is therefore essential that the primary health care team have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide a high quality service. This very practical book covers all aspects of caring for people with rheumatic diseases. It discusses the physiological and psychological aspects of the diseases, examines drug therapy and drug monitoring and looks at the varied ways in which the professional can help the client.

Gone are the days when the physician could act as God, the orthopaedic surgeon as the Lord God and the nurses as minister ing angels. The concept of a team approach with each discipline supplying special yet overlapping skills is accepted in principle, although not always in practice. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists resist integration of their training among the hierarchy; however, on the ground, these remedial therapists often do each other's jobs with remarkable amity. Elsewhere I have discussed whether we need multipurpose professionals or multiprofessional persons (Wright 1982). At Leeds the close collaboration that exists between rheumatol ogists and non-medically qualified professionals has resulted in a productive Bioengineering Group for the Study of Human Joints, a Clinical Pharmacology Unit of international renown and a Rehabilitation Unit that consistently produces bricks without straw. One aspect of this combined approach to patient care has been the development of the discipline of clinical nurse metrology (Bird et al. 1980). Skilled nursing sisters have worked in this capacity for a decade in Leeds. Their contribution has not only enhanced the reliability of the results of clinical trials in which they have been engaged, but it has been highly s;ost effective and greatly appreciated by patients. It has also measurably improved our patient education programme. Moreover, the posts have provided considerable job satisfaction. This book arises from the expertise gained during these pioneer years.

Individuals with chronic diseases have to cope with various challenges to their physical and psychological well being as part of their daily lives. In the field of chronic disease management nurses have an integral role in supporting the needs of the patient and identifying the optimum in high quality care. Dealing with the increasing needs of the growing chronic disease and elderly populations presents difficult challenges. Resources need to be used effectively. Chronic Disease Nursing offers support to all nurses but particularly primary and secondary care advanced practitioners wishing to develop an effective system of care for those with a long term medical condition. There is guidance on the practical aspects of setting up a telephone helpline service, identifying the ethical and professional aspects of developing a nurse led clinic, selecting appropriate outcome measures for clinic setting, and suitable biologic therapies used in chronic disease areas and working across professional organisations. This book provides a framework for the development of a chronic disease nursing service, using rheumatology as an example.

This book provides a comprehensive and practical overview of the knowledge required for the assessment and management of the older adult with arthritis and other rheumatological conditions. This book equips nurses and allied health professionals with the knowledge and skills to undertake a comprehensive holistic assessment to identify the physical, psychological and social impact of living with arthritis. It informs them on osteoarthritis, a leading cause of pain and disability in 10-15% of all adults over the age of 60. Polymyalgia rheumatic can prove challenging for the clinician to manage, whilst rheumatoid arthritis and gout, (two other inflammatory conditions) also have a substantial global burden. This book informs nurses and allied health professionals on to manage these conditions, as well as the symptoms of fatigue, pain and mood and how patients can be supported to engage in Self-Management. The pharmacological and non pharmacological approach to management is discussed in depth including the role of medications and exercise. The impact of arthritis on a person’s ability to engage in their day to day activities and social participation is also explored.

This book is about the drugs used in the treatment and management of rheumatic disorders. The term 'therapeutics' used in the title is intended to mirror the relevance of drugs in the widest sense of the word. Thus, general principles underlying pharmaceutical and pharmacological study have been included together with more clinical matters concerned with applying specific rheumatic problems. The need for another work on rheumatological drugs in itself, as opposed to the different approach intended, was prompted by the ever continuing and bewildering plethora of antirheumatic drugs flooding the market at present. We believe that such a burgeoning of new preparations is welcome in an era when in general there are still no 'cures' available. Moreover, we also feel that a continued update of this rapidly advancing field is essential, not only for its own sake, but also to place it in perspective with itself and with neighbouring fields.

This wide-ranging book not only provides in-depth information on rheumatology, but also establishes a format upon which nurses can base interventions for patient care. It leads nurses step by step through ten of the most frequently encountered rheumatologic patient problems and provides assessment etiologies for each of them. Ultimately, the book offers a comprehensive model which demonstrates the interrelationships of the most common problems.

Evidenced-based texts are taking on a greater role in the education of healthcare providers. With an emphasis on this modality, this volume explores several topics related to the treatment of patients with the autoimmune form of arthritis known as rheumatoid arthritis. Topics include disease outcomes, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors, cardiovascular risk associated with arthritis, cytokines, and alleles in rheumatoid arthritis. The book also examines various drugs used in treatment for pain relief and reduced inflammation.