Doctors 'unsure how to help people with rheumatoid arthritis manage fatigue'
New research has suggested that most rheumatologists understand the fatigue that is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but remain unsure how best to manage the problem.
Researchers from Radboud University in the Netherlands published their findings in the journal Clinical Rheumatology.
The trial involved 110 rheumatologists and trainees who were members of the Dutch Society of Rheumatology.
While the majority said they knew about the fatigue that is associated with RA, over 60 per cent admitted that their knowledge of fatigue was limited and they lacked the experience to manage the problem.
It was also revealed that many doctors believe their patients will raise the issue if it is bothering them. Should this happen, "most of the rheumatologists pay attention to fatigue during the first consultation and less often during follow-up consultations".
Interestingly, 34 per cent said that specialist nurses should help people with RA manage their fatigue.
In an interview with MedWire News, Dr Han Repping-Wuts explained: "Despite the acknowledgement of poor communication about fatigue and the awareness that if you ask patients about fatigue they seldom deny the symptom, rheumatologists reported that it is the patient rather than the rheumatologist who raises the issue of fatigue during the consultation."
Recent research funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign suggests that patients feel fatigue is almost as important a symptom of the condition as pain and the charity is currently funding further work to investigate how patients can best be helped to manage it more effectively.
The charity also produces the patient information sheet 'Fatigue and Arthritis' which is available online and in hard copy.
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