JointHealth™ express June 16, 2019
EULAR News June 16, 2019
Fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis
Fatigue is a common, persistent problem for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Affecting 40% - 80% of RA patients, fatigue is considered one of the most important disease outcomes by patients. Work disability is among the most important consequences of RA-related fatigue. According to Professor Jose Antonio da Silva, patients have identified fatigue as the principal barrier to employment and productivity. In a special EULAR session, Professor da Silva noted that numerous studies have demonstrated that fatigue in RA contributes to a higher likelihood of absenteeism at work, a higher prevalence of the various dimensions of work disability, and more consultations with physicians and referrals to therapists. A challenge for rheumatologists is determining how to measure fatigue in RA where there is no consensus on the most effective method of measurement and lack of a standardized assessment tool. Professor da Silva added that overall, the measurement of fatigue in RA entails several challenges because of its subjective nature.
To learn more about arthritis in the Canadian workforce and an upcoming program to support employees with arthritis, read this issue of JointHealth™ insight.
Did you know?
Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE) is a founding member and serves as the Secretariat of the Global RA Network. The Network was formed to build international relationships and identify and work on common goals and initiatives to improve the lives of people living with RA around the world.
During the EULAR conference, ACE led a meeting of the Network, attended by leaders from 13 different member countries. At the meeting, ACE introduced new tools that have been developed for the Global RA Network website, including the RA models of Care Pathway Toolkit, and RA Communiqué.
EULAR News June 16, 2019
Fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis
Fatigue is a common, persistent problem for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Affecting 40% - 80% of RA patients, fatigue is considered one of the most important disease outcomes by patients. Work disability is among the most important consequences of RA-related fatigue. According to Professor Jose Antonio da Silva, patients have identified fatigue as the principal barrier to employment and productivity. In a special EULAR session, Professor da Silva noted that numerous studies have demonstrated that fatigue in RA contributes to a higher likelihood of absenteeism at work, a higher prevalence of the various dimensions of work disability, and more consultations with physicians and referrals to therapists. A challenge for rheumatologists is determining how to measure fatigue in RA where there is no consensus on the most effective method of measurement and lack of a standardized assessment tool. Professor da Silva added that overall, the measurement of fatigue in RA entails several challenges because of its subjective nature.
To learn more about arthritis in the Canadian workforce and an upcoming program to support employees with arthritis, read this issue of JointHealth™ insight.
Did you know?
Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE) is a founding member and serves as the Secretariat of the Global RA Network. The Network was formed to build international relationships and identify and work on common goals and initiatives to improve the lives of people living with RA around the world.
During the EULAR conference, ACE led a meeting of the Network, attended by leaders from 13 different member countries. At the meeting, ACE introduced new tools that have been developed for the Global RA Network website, including the RA models of Care Pathway Toolkit, and RA Communiqué.
Arthritis Consumer Experts
ACE thanks Arthritis Research Canada (ARC) for its scientific review of ACE and JointHealth™ information and education programs.