Inflammatory arthritis is a potentially serious condition with a wide range of presentations. Symptoms can vary from mild to highly acute with disabling effects which can make diagnosis challenging.
Fortunately, most cases can be managed effectively, with symptom control being a primary goal—sometimes requiring advanced therapies.
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
- Identify key features of inflammatory arthritis and related conditions, such as polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Provide effective referrals and implement interim management strategies.
- Understand conventional and advanced therapeutics, including their impact on day-to-day care.
- Tailor care within the community, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients with inflammatory arthritis.
As always, we will answer as many questions as possible during this session.
Presenter
Rebecca Grainger
MBChB (Dstn), BMedSci (Dstn) MIsntD, FHiNZ, FRACP, PhD
Professor, Department of Medicine
Rheumatologist, Te Whatu Ora Capital Coast and Hutt Valley
Rebecca is an academic rheumatologist who is passionate about patient-focused care and engaging with colleagues in primary and secondary care to provide the highest quality collaborative care for people with arthritis.
A University of Otago medical graduate, she undertook rheumatology training in Melbourne and her PhD examined inflammatory mechanisms in gout.
Rebecca's clinical work focuses on the assessment and management of inflammatory arthritis, and her particular clinical interests include inflammatory arthritis, gout, and scleroderma. Rebecca's academic interests are wide but she aims to undertake research in clinical rheumatology, health professions education and technology.
As always, we will answer as many questions as possible during this session.
