Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2008 | Original Article
Rheumatologists’ knowledge, attitude and current management of fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Authors:
Han Repping-Wuts, Piet van Riel, Theo van Achterberg
Published in:
Clinical Rheumatology
|
Issue 12/2008
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Abstract
To describe rheumatologists’ knowledge, attitude and current management of fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a postal questionnaire was sent to all rheumatologists (N = 204) and trainees (N = 49), members of the Dutch Society of Rheumatology. The overall response rate was 44% (N = 110). In general, rheumatologists’ knowledge about RA-related fatigue was in accordance with the literature but they perceive a lack of their own knowledge about aetiology and evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat fatigue. The majority of the rheumatologists believe that fatigue is a multi-disciplinary diagnosis and is preferably managed by the nurse specialist (34%). Assuming that the patient will raise the issue, most of the rheumatologists pay attention to fatigue during the first consultation and less often during follow-up consultations. There is a need for knowledge about causes and treatments for RA-related fatigue to ensure that patient outcomes are improved.