How can a Multidisciplinary Team Help People with Inflammatory Arthritis Participate in Work?

I’m honored to be presenting at the American College of Rheumatology’s Convergence. This is an annual meeting and conference that brings together professionals working in the field of rheumatology.

I will be speaking on Sunday, November 7th at 7:30am EST / 4:30am PST. My session is: “7S105. Study Group: Promoting an Interdisciplinary Approach to Supporting Persons with Inflammatory Arthritis at Work.”

Additional speakers and panelists at this study group include:

• Joan Westreich, MSW, LCSW-R, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a Social Work Coordinator for the Early Arthritis Initiative at HSS
• Dr. Vivian Bykerk, MD, FRCPC, Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, an Attending Rheumatologist and Director of the Inflammatory Arthritis Program at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
• Adena Batterman, LCSW, MSW, a licensed clinical social worker and Senior Manager of Inflammatory Arthritis Support and Education Programs at HSS

Why is an interdisciplinary approach to supporting people with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) at Work important?

From our session description:

“The significance of an individual’s ability to sustain a healthy and stable work life cannot be overstated, as it has an impact on financial stability, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem and sense of identity.”

“Much of the focus (in past research on barriers to employment for people with inflammatory arthritis) has been on rehabilitation interventions that largely privilege addressing concrete barriers and strategies, while giving less weight to other important factors — including social supports, personal and work-related relationships — as well as changes in self-concept and self-esteem.”

Our learning objectives include “Highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to addressing unmet employment-related needs of IA patients — drawing on participation from colleagues in social work, OT (occupational therapy), and Rheumatology, as well as an IA (inflammatory arthritis) patient representative.” 

What is the Occupational Therapist’s role on the interdisciplinary team?

I made these graphics to help explain the role of occupational therapy in the context of supporting people with inflammatory arthritis at work. We look at which intrinsic and extrinsic factors are interfering with work performance. We then see which factors can be either altered or worked around in order for people with inflammatory arthritis to achieve their work goals. I’m looking forward to sharing more on Sunday!