Occupational therapy in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis

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Abstract
This study aimed to assess the value of periodic review by an occupational therapist (OT) of elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty-four patients aged over 65 years who had longstanding RA and had had at least one previous contact with an OT completed a modified health assessment questionnaire (HAQ)1.2 to give an assessment of their self perceived functional ability then had a formal OT assessment. Two months later the patients completed a second HAQ to assess the effect of the OT assessment and assistance. Only three of the 24 patients were felt by the OT to have no need of intervention by her; 17 of the patients felt that the OT contact had been useful. Possible intervention to improve quality of life was not predicted by the patient's perception of limitations nor by the HAQ score. There were no significant changes in HAQ scores despite OT assessment and intervention. Other assessments of disability or wellbeing merit investigation in the context of OT intervention but the need for OT review of elderly patients with RA is clear.