Kontakt 2009, 11(1):103-108 | DOI: 10.32725/kont.2009.019

Clients with rheumatoid arthritis in community carePotřeba rozvoje ošetřovatelské komunitní péče

Anežka Rolantová^1,*, Věra Vlasáková²

¹ Nemocnice České Budějovice, a. s.

² Medipont - ambulantní klinika, České Budějovice

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of joints involving as much as 1 % of the population. Rheumatoid arthritis exerts permanent progress and very frequently causes disability. This inflammatory disease particularly involves joints, but it can also involve other organs and systems, as e.g. the myocardium, lungs, muscles, tendons or white of the eye. The quality of life of these patients is affected by the activity of their disease and extent of damage to the joints. Patient organizations play an important role here. The Rheumatics-League associates patients with rheumatic diseases and all the persons, who are interested in helping these patients.
The target of the work was to provide more information about these patients, to determine the extent of their information about their disease, their needs, suffering and importance of their membership in the Rheumatics-League for them and, based on the information acquired in this way, to compile an educational plan aimed at the most frequently occurring needs of these clients.
The qualitative method of the research was employed in the work. The group investigated included 10 clients with rheumatoid arthritis, members of the Rheumatics-League in České Budějovice. The data accumulation technique was based on a semi-structured interview comprising 32 questions. Particular interviews were arranged in case reports, based on which, total of 12 categorization groups were established.
Our research showed the association of citizens Rheumatics-League to be very beneficial and important for our clients. This was demonstrated in all the respondents inquired - members of the Rheumatism-League in České Budějovice.
Based on the results, an educational plan for patients with rheumatoid arthritis was compiled, which could be employed for the work of members of newly originating branches throughout the country. The fact was also supported that the organization Rheumatism-league fulfils needs of our clients inquired.

Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis; needs; information; community care; Rheumatics-League

Received: October 6, 2008; Accepted: November 16, 2008; Published: May 27, 2009  Show citation