Post-operative medical rehabilitation of rheumatoid hand

Abstract

  The number of hand surgeries for patients with rheumatoid arthritis（RA）has reportedly been increasing in Japan. For post-operative medical rehabilitation, pre- and post-operative close cooperation with surgeons, as well as ward nurses is important. We herein report the experience of interprofessional collaboration in our hospital from the viewpoint of occupational therapists（OT）. During long-term medical rehabilitation after surgery, systematic evaluation of the patients’ condition is needed. The cooperation is achieved through orthopedic surgery conferences, ward rounds, case reports, and ultrasonographic examinations to share a common understanding with surgeons while in hospital. If there is a problem with mobility ability even after upper extremity surgery, OT should collaborate with physiatrists and physical therapists, as well as ward nurses regarding ADL of patients. After discharge from our hospital, we evaluate postoperative functional recovery in each type of surgery in collaboration with surgeon. It is important to conduct daily medical care while keeping in mind the construction of easy-to-communicate environment with multidisciplinary team members.