Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

This thesis analyses the emerging role of the nurse in  the care of people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease which, if not treated early, leads to loss of autonomy, disability and a consequent loss of life quality. In this work is emphasized, the importance of early diagnosis, in order to begin pharmacological and non- pharmacological treatments from the early stages. This pathology is complex both from the diagnostic-therapeutic, and from the relief point of view, since many of the patients’ needs are affected by the illness. For this reason, the concept of multidisciplinary team becomes important: here each professional can offer his or her skills in order to meet the needs of the patients and improve their quality of life. Within this team the nurse, still not well-developed in Italy, but which has given many contributions to rheumatology abroad. Many international studies, in fact, support the importance of the nurse as well as important national documents such as the PDTA in the field of inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis in 2015 and the 2016 National Chronic Disease Plan.
However, this emerging role  several obstacles, having often been seen as a surrogate of the doctor and not as his important collaborator. Hence, it is hoped that the nursing staff will be more involved in the overall care process of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, with the aim of increasing their reimbursement.