"Patients talk to patients. Rheumatologist professionals talk to other professionals. But to improve communication and to solve issues that matter most to patients, we need both stakeholders 'at the table' as equal parties in the conversation."

Concept

The establishment of Rheumy Rounds is based on patient-reported needs to enhance communication and relationship management with their rheumatologists, so issues they deem important could be addressed in a manner that would lead to improved outcomes. The word "Rheumy" is used because this is what patients call their rheumatologists (slang). 

Ideally, each initial episode will enlist a minimum of two patients and two rheumatology professionals to participate in roundtable discussions that address topics* suggested by one (or both) stakeholder groups.

Next, the conversation will open to the rest of the community - both patient and rheumatology professional - to submit their opinions, ideas, comments, and potential solutions. After assessment, another episode will continue the discussion and begin exploring solutions. This process will repeat until a resolve has been established.

*Examples include diagnosis issues, remission expectations, biosimilars, non-medical switching, treatment protocols, navigating disability.

Episode 13 Rheumy RoundsⓇ Pilot Episode: Office Visit Communication Obstacles (Part 1)

This episode join your patient co-hosts, Tiffany and Kelly, as they are joined by roundtable guests - rheumatologist, Dr. Alfred Kim, and graduate researcher Jerik Leung as we dive right into the heart of the issue - communication barriers that currently existing between patients and their rheumatologists. 

Part One: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Improving Office Visit Communication

In this RheumyRounds Part One of two episodes, Tiffany Westrich-Robertson (axial spondyloarthritis) and Deb Constien (rheumatoid arthritis) are joined by rheumatologist Dr. Lisa Zickuhr to highlight the importance of communication, compassion and openness in bettering patient-doctor relationships. While we discuss a little of the Bad and Ugly, Lisa largely focuses on the Good.

Part Two: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Improving Office Visit Communication

In this RheumyRounds episode, Tiffany Westrich-Robertson (axial spondyloarthritis) and Deb Constien (rheumatoid arthritis) are joined by rheumatologist Dr. Al Kim "Al" (also Tiffany's rheumy) to highlight the importance of communication, compassion and openness in bettering patient-doctor relationships. While Part One focused largely on the Good, in Part Two we get more into the Bad and the Ugly.

Office Visit Communication Obstacles - Dr. Google, Communication Tools, & when to say goodbye

Join your patient co-hosts, Tiffany and Kelly, as they are joined by roundtable guests - rheumatologist, Dr. Alfred Kim, and graduate researcher Jerik Leung -as we dive right into the heart of the issue - communication barriers that currently exist between patients and their rheumatologists in the office setting. 

When Our Past Impacts Our Present - The Office Visit

Patients not only come to the visit potentially planning to present new information, but their past experiences throughout their disease journey also can impact the visit dynamic. How do rheumies consider history and other social determinants when planning for the visit?

MINI Episode Research into social support and its' affect on a patient's communication needs

This mini-episode captures a break out discussion between Kelly and Jerik about the research Jerik and his team have been working on regarding social support and the need for people with AiArthritis diseases to find others, like us, who understand our journey.

Pilot Episode: Office Visit Communication Obstacles

Join your patient co-hosts, Tiffany and Kelly, as they are joined by roundtable guests - rheumatologist, Dr. Alfred Kim, and graduate researcher Jerik Leung -as we dive right into the heart of the issue - communication barriers that currently exist between patients and their rheumatologists in the office setting. 

Thank you to Dr. Alfred Kim "Al", rheumatologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine and of Pathology & Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine, founder and director of the Washington University Lupus Clinic,  and Tiffany's rheumy (our CEO and primary Talk Show Co-Host), for helping us spearhead this project. 

In addition to Dr. Kim ("Al"), we have other recurring "rheumys" - Dr. Vibeke Strand, Dr. Jeff Sparks, and Dr. Lisa Zickhur - but all health professionals are welcome (even if you aren't a 'rheumy'). Are YOU a rheumatology professional and interested in participating?  Whether you would like to be on an episode, or simply advise from behind the scenes, we have a seat for you at our table.

Rheumatologist Professionals - Interested in being part of RheumyRounds? Whether it's part of a talk show episode or an advisor, there's always room at our table for you! SEND US AN EMAIL TODAY!