by Sue Brown, CEO ARMA
On Monday of this week, two years of hard work concluded with the publication of Act Now, the report of the ARMA inquiry into MSK health inequalities and deprivation. It’s been a long time since I suggested that we could get more out of the project if we held an inquiry, rather than just writing a report based on a literature review. Despite some challenges along the way, I am so glad that we did. The report and its findings are richer and more inspiring than anything we could have written without the inquiry process.
In its narrowest sense, ARMA is a tiny organisation. That’s not the organisation that produced this report. ARMA is also the sum of all our members and without their input and support, this report would not have been half as strong. This report belongs to you all and I hope you are all as proud of it as I am.
It would also not be half as strong without those who took time to give evidence, the expert panel, lived experience panel, skilled report writer, meticulous proofreader and excellent designer. There is a short summary document, but I urge you to read the full report. It is not a difficult or academic read. It includes lots of case studies and resources to help people implement the recommendations.
This is not the end of the story. To have impact this report needs to be read and acted upon by individuals, services and health systems. We need to get it in front of those who can make a difference. The work is just beginning. Don’t just read the report – Act. Spread the word. Share the resources.
MSK health inequalities caused by deprivation are significant – people in more deprived areas are more likely to have an MSK condition and to develop it at a younger age than less deprived areas. All of this additional MSK ill-health is avoidable.
Above all, our report shows how – if we act now, together – we can make a difference.