CCO Medical Specialties Podcast

Navigating Sjogren's Syndrome: Guiding Patients in Their Care Journey

Episode Summary

In this podcast, listen as Elizabeth Kircher, DNP, and R. Hal Scofield, MD, explore effective strategies for patient education, shared decision-making, and overcoming barriers to care for Sjogren’s syndrome, ensuring a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to care.

Episode Notes

Listen as Elizabeth Kircher, DNP, and R. Hal Scofield, MD, discuss best practice approaches for the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome and what’s on the horizon for future therapeutic options.

Topics include:

• Challenges in Sjogren’s Syndrome Diagnosis and Patient Understanding: Difficulties in explaining Sjogren’s syndrome diagnosis to patients unfamiliar with it and challenges in addressing the disease’s varied symptoms
• Patient Education and Communication: Strategies to prevent overwhelming patients during early visits and effective ways to address misconceptions
• Diagnostic Challenges and Misunderstandings: Differences between clinical and research criteria for diagnosis and the importance of understanding each
• Use of Ultrasound and Biopsy in Diagnosis: Benefits and limitations of ultrasound and biopsies in diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome
• Multidisciplinary Care Barriers: Challenges in coordinating care among specialists such as ophthalmologists, dentists, and rheumatologists
• Symptomatic vs Disease-Modifying Treatments: Strategies for managing symptoms vs addressing the underlying disease with medications
• Long-term Medication and Risks: Considerations when prescribing long-term medications and immunosuppressive therapies
• Research and Emerging Therapies: Developments in Sjogren’s syndrome research, including promising medications in clinical trials
• Guideline Development and Patient Reassurance: The role of professional guidelines in shaping care and providing patients with reassurance
• Polypharmacy and Medication Reconciliation: The importance of pharmacist involvement in managing complex medication regimens for older patients

Faculty:

Elizabeth Kircher, DNP

R. Hal Scofield, MD
Member/Professor, Arthritis & Clinical Immunology
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Professor, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Associate Chief of Staff for Research
Oklahoma City US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Link to full program:
https://bit.ly/3YKpsOE