NURSING CHALLENGES IN WORKING WITH RHEUMATOLOGY PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction. Rheumatological diseases are common worldwide and their number is increasing. These conditions require comprehensive, interdisciplinary care, in which nurses play an important role through their involvement in the process. Despite the developed algorithms for working with patients, only half of them remain satisfied with the treatment process and communication with staff. A survey of Japanese nurses working with rheumatological patients, conducted in 2020, identified five main problems: communication, understanding, experience, systemic problems and collaboration. However, there are no such studies conducted among Ukrainian nurses.

The aim of the study – to learn about nursing challenges in working with rheumatology patients using statistical study of the patient contingent of the rheumatology department, analysis of the structure and staffing of a model rheumatology department, analysis of questionnaires of rheumatology department nurses about the peculiarities of work in the rheumatology department, oral interview with rheumatology department nurses.

The main part. In 2024, the rheumatology department of the Ternopil Regional Clinical Hospital treated 1,725 patients with rheumatic diseases. The vast majority of them had joint manifestations. 9 experienced nurses are involved in the work with them, who are involved in registration, care, fulfillment of prescriptions, monitoring and self-care teaching of patients. Nurses face such problems as a large volume of patients, communication problems, organizational difficulties and emotional burnout.

Conclusions. Rheumatological diseases are widespread throughout the world. Therefore, the rheumatology department of the Ternopil Regional Clinical Hospital works with a large flow of rheumatological patients. Experienced nurses are involved in their care, who have outlined the main problems in their work.