Expanding the Treatment Team: What Is the Role for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Wound Care, and Nutritional Support in Systemic Sclerosis?

Authors

Tracy M. Frech, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USAFollow
Janet L. Poole, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Maureen Murtaugh, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Marco Matucci-Cerinic, Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2023

Abstract

The optimal systemic sclerosis (SSc) care plan includes an occupational therapist and physical therapist as well as wound care experts and a registered dietitian if indicated. Screening instruments for functional and work disability, hand and mouth limitations, malnutrition, and dietary intake can identify the need for ancillary support services. Telemedicine can assist in developing effective ancillary treatment plans. Reimbursement for services may limit access for patients with SSc to expand their care team but a focus on prevention rather than management of damage is recognized as an important unmet need in SSc. In this review, the role of a comprehensive care team for SSc is discussed.

Publisher

W.B. Saunders Co.

Publication Title

Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America

ISSN

1558-3163

Volume

49

Issue

2

First Page

377

Last Page

387

DOI

10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.009

Recommended Citation

Frech TM, Poole JL, Murtaugh M, Matucci-Cerinic M. Expanding the Treatment Team: What Is the Role for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Wound Care, and Nutritional Support in Systemic Sclerosis? Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2023 May;49(2):377-387. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.009. Epub 2023 Mar 1. PMID: 37028841.