An holistic approach to the management of rheumatoid disease

Abstract

The two previous chapters have outlined the complexity of rheumatoid disease in relation to its physical, psychological and social manifestations. The relationship between these different dimensions is totally unique to each individual client and also variable, for the individual, throughout the course of the disease, therefore posing a challenge to clinical management. The range of needs which may be expressed by one client requires a variety of treatment strategies to be available and the lack of knowledge about the disease and effectiveness of interventions necessitates a broad programme of clinical and laboratory-based research to be undertaken. No single treatment technique has, as yet, been identified as having a major impact on the disease process and its manifestations, therefore clinical management still remains multi-faceted and primarily aimed at coping with the effects of the disease.