Name of the Procedure:

Functional Status Assessed (COA) (RA)

• Common names: Functional Status Assessment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Functional Status Evaluation.

Summary:

Functional status assessment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves evaluating a patient's ability to perform daily activities. It helps understand how RA affects the patient's quality of life and guides treatment adjustments.

Purpose:

• Medical Condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
• Goals: To measure the impact of RA on daily living, monitor disease progression, and tailor treatment plans to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Indications:

• Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue.
• Criteria: Patients diagnosed with RA, especially those reporting changes in daily functioning or those undergoing new treatments.

Preparation:

• Instructions: No special preparation required, though patients should bring a list of current medications and note any recent changes in their symptoms.
• Assessments: Patients may be asked to complete questionnaires or diaries documenting daily activities and limitations.

Procedure Description:

1. Initial Interview: The healthcare provider conducts a detailed interview about the patient’s daily activities and challenges.
2. Functional Tests: The patient may perform simple physical tasks (e.g., grip strength, walking test) to objectively measure physical capabilities.
3. Questionnaires: Standardized surveys like the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) or the RA Disease Activity Index (RADAI) are completed.
4. Review of Results: The healthcare provider reviews the results with the patient and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly.

• Tools: Questionnaires, simple physical tools (e.g., grip strength dynamometer).
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration:

Typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic or rheumatology office.

Personnel:

• Conducted by a rheumatologist, nurse practitioner, or trained healthcare provider specializing in RA.
• Support from nurses or medical assistants.

Risks and Complications:

• Risks: Minimal, as it involves non-invasive assessments.
• Complications: Uncommon, though patients may experience mild discomfort during physical tests.

Benefits:

• Expected Benefits: Better understanding of disease impact, optimized treatment plans, improved quality of life, and more targeted interventions.
• Timeline: Benefits may become apparent shortly after the assessment, as treatment plans are adjusted based on the findings.

Recovery:

• Post-procedure Care: None required.
• Recovery Time: Immediate; no downtime needed.
• Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments as determined by the healthcare provider to monitor progress.

Alternatives:

• Other options include imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to assess joint damage, though they do not capture functional status as effectively.
• Pros: Imaging provides structural information.
• Cons: Does not offer insights into daily living challenges faced by the patient.

Patient Experience:

• During the Procedure: Patients will likely feel comfortable as it involves interviews and simple physical tasks. They may feel a bit anxious but should experience minimal to no pain.
• Pain Management: Not required; focus is on comfort and support throughout the assessment.