Multidisciplinary team improves care for consumer with rare condition
The Health Quality & Safety Commission’s Partners in Care programme has developed a series of videos about a rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and how working as a multidisciplinary team can improve patient outcomes.
Tracey shares how having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a group of disorders that affect connective tissue supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels and many other organs and tissues, has impacted her life. The signs and symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome range from mildly loose joints which are prone to frequent dislocations, to life-threatening complications, and is often accompanied by ongoing pain.
Tracey (pictured third from the left), with members of the multidisciplinary team that manage her condition.
Since beginning to work with a multidisciplinary team, she has seen a marked improvement in her injury and pain levels.
The videos include interviews with Tracey and members of the multidisciplinary team that help to manage her condition.
Through interviews with Tracey and her health care team (a dual physician and rheumatologist, physiotherapist and osteopath), the videos:
- highlight the importance of working as a team and including consumers in planning and discussion about their care
- describe Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and how it can impact on the lives of people diagnosed with it
- highlight the treatment options that have helped in Tracey’s rehabilitation and how others who have this or similar conditions can learn from Tracey’s experiences
- describe how a multidisciplinary team have worked together to provide care and treatment from different sites in New Zealand.
Watch the videos by clicking the link below.