Rheum Academy

Join Alison To (OT) and Angelo Papachristos (APP) for Virtual noon educational rounds on Inflammatory Myopathies and Allied Health Intervention.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) affect more than 50,000 Canadians and often lead to significant, fluctuating functional disability. This virtual lunch-and-learn is designed for occupational therapists and allied health professionals seeking a practical overview of IIM assessment and management through an occupational performance lens.

Drawing on current evidence and clinical experience, the first portion of the session will review core elements of IIM assessment — including muscle strength, physical function, balance, cardiovascular health, and patient-reported outcome measures — and highlight their relevance to ADLs, IADLs, and participation in work and leisure.

The second portion will focus on intervention, with particular attention to patient education, individualized exercise prescription, fatigue and energy management, and strategies for addressing functional limitations at home, at work, and in the community. Clinical pearls will be shared throughout to build participants' knowledge and confidence in assessing and supporting this patient population.

Presenters:

Alison To, OT, ACPAC - Martin Family Arthritis Care & Research Centre, Division of Rheumatology, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto.

Angelo Papachristos, PT, ACPAC — Advanced Practice Physiotherapist, Martin Family Arthritis Care & Research Centre, Division of Rheumatology, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key components of the occupational therapy assessment for individuals with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.
• Describe core patient education priorities for this population, including fatigue and energy management.
• Apply principles of individualized exercise prescription and progression within occupational therapy practice.