Applied Rheumatology Made Simple (A.R.M.S.)
(Part 1)
The main topic of discussion now is from Dr. Sandra V. Navarra’s “Applied Rheumatology Made Simple. This has an acronym which is A.R.M.S.
This is a study of the Arthritis CaRe (Arthritis CaRe and Research Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.) adapted by APARC (Asia Pacific Arthritis and Rheumatism Council) and supported by a generous educational and research grant from Pharmacia and Pfizer.
What does A.R.M.S. aim to achieve? It envisions to achieve the following: a Practical and “user-friendly” approach to rheumatic diseases; an Efficient networking/referral systems between specialists and generalists caring for rheumatic disease patients; and a Broad-based national registry of rheumatic diseases among Filipinos
According to the A.R.M.S. program, some of the key questions one is supposed to ask are the following: Do you have pain or stiffness in your joints or spine? Do you have difficulties with walking, climbing stairs or getting up from bed? Do you have difficulties with dressing?
The study also says that in addition to taking an adequate history of the patient’s illness, these key questions assess problems related to most ports of the musculoskeletal system including Mints, muscles and-any impairment in the activities of daily living.
The study also presents the 5-MINUTE MUSCULOSKELETAL EXAM on the Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine. This exam must be focused and systematic and must cover key areas of the musculoskeletal system in just a few minutes. (To be continued)