The team accepts referrals from Rheumatologists, Rheumatology Nurse Specialists, Rheumatology Allied Health Professional (AHP) colleagues and GPs.
We also offer a self-referral service for people who have previously been seen by the Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Team and feel they would benefit from further support.
Rheumatology Occupational Therapy
What is Occupational Therapy?
The Specialist Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Team in NHS Tayside is here to support you in managing the impact of your condition on your everyday life.
We can help you identify and overcome barriers that may be making it difficult or more painful to carry out the activities that are important to you. This may include activities such as self-care, work, family life, household tasks, hobbies and leisure activities.
Our aim is to help you find practical ways to manage your symptoms, maintain or increase your independence, and enable you to continue doing the things that are meaningful to you. We can provide individualised advice, education and strategies to support your health, wellbeing and quality of life.
The Specialist Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Team in NHS Tayside is here to support you in managing the impact of your condition on your everyday life.
We can help you identify and overcome barriers that may be making it difficult or more painful to carry out the activities that are important to you. This may include activities such as self-care, work, family life, household tasks, hobbies and leisure activities.
Our aim is to help you find practical ways to manage your symptoms, maintain or increase your independence, and enable you to continue doing the things that are meaningful to you. We can provide individualised advice, education and strategies to support your health, wellbeing and quality of life.
How are patients referred to the team?
What should I expect from my appointment?
Rheumatology Occupational Therapy outpatient clinics are based at Ninewells Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary, with satellite clinics at Parkview Primary Care Centre, Carnoustie, and Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre, Forfar. Telephone consultations and virtual appointments using Near Me can also be arranged where appropriate.
Your initial appointment will last approximately one hour. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire before your appointment. This will be sent with your appointment letter and will help your Occupational Therapist understand any difficulties you may be experiencing in your day-to-day life, including self-care, work or productivity, and leisure activities.
During your appointment, your Occupational Therapist will ask about your rheumatology symptoms, which may include fatigue, joint stiffness, reduced dexterity, or changes in grip strength. They will also discuss how these symptoms may be affecting your ability to carry out your everyday activities, including self-care, work or productivity, and leisure.
Your Occupational Therapist may then carry out a detailed assessment of your hands. This may include looking at joint swelling, changes in joint shape or alignment, range of movement, grip strength and pinch strength. This assessment will help the Occupational Therapist understand your individual needs and identify ways in which they can support you to manage your condition and maintain your independence.
Your initial appointment will last approximately one hour. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire before your appointment. This will be sent with your appointment letter and will help your Occupational Therapist understand any difficulties you may be experiencing in your day-to-day life, including self-care, work or productivity, and leisure activities.
During your appointment, your Occupational Therapist will ask about your rheumatology symptoms, which may include fatigue, joint stiffness, reduced dexterity, or changes in grip strength. They will also discuss how these symptoms may be affecting your ability to carry out your everyday activities, including self-care, work or productivity, and leisure.
Your Occupational Therapist may then carry out a detailed assessment of your hands. This may include looking at joint swelling, changes in joint shape or alignment, range of movement, grip strength and pinch strength. This assessment will help the Occupational Therapist understand your individual needs and identify ways in which they can support you to manage your condition and maintain your independence.
What can a Rheumatology Occupational Therapist offer?
Your Occupational Therapist will assess your individual needs and provide advice, education and practical strategies to help you self-manage your condition. This may include support with the following: