ALAMY

CPD reflective account

Rheumatoid arthritis

Support organisations

A CPD article enhanced Rose Gallacher’s knowledge of the psychological effects of rheumatoid arthritis After reading this article and completing the time out activities, I better understand the complexity of the psychological effects a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can bring. This may include anxiety, frustration, shock, anger, helplessness, depression, or denial and grief for the loss of health. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common long-term inflammatory condition that most frequently affects the hands, feet and knees. The cause is unknown, there is no cure, and a familial history of the condition increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. A person living with rheumatoid arthritis may be psychologically affected by the experience of having to adapt to an altered body image. Approximately 30% of people reported feeling negative and sexually unattractive because of the physical changes in normal joint functioning caused by pain, stiffness, swelling, deformities, disabilities, clumsiness, heavier limbs and fatigue. Pharmacological treatments such as disease-modifying

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anti-rheumatic drugs and biologic agents are available treatments to suppress the painful symptoms of joint inflammation and reduce joint deformities. In some cases, a surgical opinion may be required to correct limb deformities if there are noticeable structural changes in the hands or feet. Non-pharmacological interventions can be used to maintain joint health. These include stretching, strengthening and pacing exercises such as swimming, walking and cycling. People living with rheumatoid arthritis may exhibit symptoms of depression. I intend to obtain

a copy of the self-report instrument questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire – PHQ9, that was recommended to detect depression. An important aspect of the role of the nurse is listening to, empathising with, helping and supporting the person living with rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to ensure that there is time available to assist the person in adapting and evaluating coping strategies to manage the condition. I am now aware that referral to other relevant services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or psychology may be required.

This reflective account is based on NS771 Ryan S (2014) Psychological effects of living with rheumatoid arthritis. Nursing Standard. 29, 13, 52-59.

People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis should be informed about the support organisations that offer useful resources: for example the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care. These organisations offer a source of information for healthcare professionals and patients. They can also provide access to coping strategies that help manage the condition and assist the person in adapting to the physical changes of rheumatoid arthritis. After reading the article, I am now better informed of the personal, social and occupational effects, as well as the physical effects, of a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis on the individual NS Rose Gallacher is a staff nurse at the Royal Alexandria Hospital, Paisley

Write your own reflective account You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a reflective account. Turn to page 52 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your reflective account.

Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php november 25 :: vol 30 no 13 :: 2015  61 

CPD assessment

Write a reflective account YOU CAN GAIN A CERTIFICATE OF LEARNING BY READING THIS CPD ARTICLE AND THEN WRITING A REFLECTIVE ACCOUNT What do I do now? Using the information in the section below as a guide, write a reflective account of between 750 and 1,000 words that is related to the CPD article. It may help to read this week’s reflective account on page 61 and ‘In practice’ below. Write ‘Reflective account’ at the top of your entry followed by your name and the title of the article, which is An overview of nuclear medicine imaging procedures (NS821). Entries can be submitted by email (preferred) or post, and must be received by November 25 2016. You are entitled to unlimited free entries. By email, send your reflective account to [email protected]. You must provide the same information that is requested on the form below. Type ‘Reflective account’ in the subject field for confirmation of receipt. By post, complete the cut-out form below and attach it to your reflective account. Failure to do so will mean that your reflective account cannot be considered for a certificate. Using an A4 envelope, send your reflective account to: Reflective Account, RCNi,

Reflective account submission

Receive a £50 book token Authors of reflective accounts published in Nursing Standard will receive a £50 book token.

Freepost PAM 10155, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3BR. You will be informed of your result in writing. A certificate is awarded for successful completion of the reflective account. You are entitled to one retake if you are unsuccessful. Feedback is not provided: a certificate indicates that you have been successful. Indicate on the form if you wish your reflective account to be considered for publication in Nursing Standard (see page 61). Add a copy to your professional portfolio – copies of reflective accounts are not returned.

Framework for reflection Consider these points before submitting your reflective account: What have I learned from this article and how does it relate to my practice? To what extent were intended learning outcomes met?

What knowledge or skills have I acquired as a result of reading the article? What can I apply immediately to my practice or patient care? Is there anything that I did not understand, need to explore or read about further, to clarify my understanding? What else do I need to do/know to extend my professional development in this area? What other needs have I identified in relation to my professional development? How might I achieve the above?

In practice After reading a CPD article on ‘wound care’, Amajit, who works as a senior staff nurse on a surgical ward, approached the nurse manager with concerns about wound infections. Following an audit, which Amajit undertook, a protocol for dressing wounds was established that led to a reduction in infections on the ward and across the directorate. Amajit used this experience for her reflective account and is now taking part in a regional research project.

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62 november 25 :: vol 30 no 13 :: 2015

If you are not able to email your work, you may post it using this form and send it in an envelope no smaller than A4 size to: Reflective Account RCNi Freepost PAM 10155 Harrow Middlesex HA1 3BR

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Rheumatoid arthritis.

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