Division of Rheumatology
Clinical services and social impact
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Clinical Serv?ice
Our clinical services includes the management of the spectrum of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions at both in and outpatient level at Tygerberg Hospital.
Our outpatient clinics include 2 general arthritis clinics, a specialized connective tissue disease clinic and an early arthritis clinic.
Registrars and fellows have access to ultrasound within the clinic to assist with joint injection, aspiration and diagnostic workup.
Within these clinics, the following monthly interdisciplinary clinics take place:
- Interstitial lung disease clinic
- Orthopedic combined clinic assessing patients for hand and foot surgery
- Dermatology clinic
During the early arthritis clinic, we emphasize:
- Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment of newly diagnosed arthritis
- Detailed teaching on joint examination techniques, in particular hands and feet by
- Direct input and teaching by our dedicated Rheumatology occupational therapist
The majority of inpatients are co-managed with general medicine, as well as other disiplane including orthopaedic surgery, dermatology, vascular surgery etc, depending on the patients presentation. In addition, we have four dedicated rheumatology beds where we are able to focus on predominant rheumatological complications requiring multidisciplinary inpatient support.
Outreach programs, focusing on both teaching and clinical service delivery occur through the course of the year to Khayelitsha District Hospital, Eerste River Hospital and Worcester Hospital.
Social Impact
The Division's key objective, through clinical service delivery and research, is to benefit the community we serve, in the Western Cape, but also South Africa and across the continent. Locally we are involved in a number of projects including an active patient support group (managed by Sr Diane Fortuin), We are actively involved in educational workshops, held annually for patients, family members and interested members of our community. Emphasis is on patient education, increased awareness and patient advocacy. ?
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