Managing rheumatoid arthritis: it takes a team
Pictured here: Mrs Heather Wiseblatt, Dr Ines Colmegna, Dr Peter Panopalis and Mrs Maria Bazan.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that can threaten an individual’s overall functioning, independence and working ability. The optimal treatment of RA requires a comprehensive program that combines medical, social, and emotional support for the patient. It is essential that the patient and the patient’s family are empowered in learning about their illness and on how to actively participate in their care.
At the Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic located a the Royal Victoria Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), patients benefit from the expertise of physicians, residents, researchers, nurses, and designated subspecialists whose common mission it is to provide patient-centred care, educate patients about their disease and to prevent further joint and organ damage that may occur as a result of the inflammation that’s characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.
The interdisciplinary team puts on annual educational sessions, focuses on research to further advance our understanding of what causes RA and how we can better treat it, and uses this research to better tailor clinical care to address patients’ needs and realities. The result is that patients get specialized, comprehensive care that helps ensure optimal treatment.