Researcher details trends for advance practice nurses in rheumatology

ORLANDO, Fla. — A researcher described trends for advance practice nurses in rheumatology at the Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference.

Mary Kiely, DNP, ANP, performed a review of the literature. She found five studies. The studies showed shared nursing consultations led to reduced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity when compared with patients seen only by a rheumatologist; independent patient management by advance practice nurses (APNs) was safe and recommended according to evaluation of a APN-led fracture liaison service; another study showed APN and a rheumatologist vs. rheumatologist only care led to reduced RA disease activity after 2 years; APN implementation of pain coping skills for patients with osteoporosis led to improvements in pain intensity; and an APN-led osteoporosis management program led to increases in osteoporosis diagnosis and management.

In addition, Kiely found the most common clinical responsibilities for APNs were adjustment for DMARDs and patient education. — by Will Offit

Reference:

Kiely M. Current and future trends for advance practice nurses in rheumatology. Poster #2. Presented at: Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference; Aug. 9-12, 2017; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: Kiely reports no relevant financial disclosures.