Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance
Influencing policy and care together for best lifelong musculoskeletal health
Free CPD Webinar: Virtual Consultations with Mike James
Wednesday 1 April, 19:00
Join BASRaT live on Zoom to discuss all things virtual! The discussion will focus on the clinical considerations when conducting a virtual consult, including how to adapt assessments and rehab with the lack of face-to-face contact.
Mike will also share his thoughts on creating the perfect patient journey, and what you can do to attract new patients to your virtual clinic.
NASS is regularly updating their website with relevant COVID-19 information including how patients can assess their risk, medicines and biologic therapy, mental health and the effect of the virus on work and benefits.
www.nass.co.uk/covid19
Following a successful start for the first cohort, applications are now open for the Aspiring to Excellence programme in 2020. The programme is designed to encourage and recognise service improvement in axial SpA (AS) care and is a strategic partnership between NASS, BRITSpA and sponsoring companies AbbVie, Biogen, Novartis and UCB.…
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Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their families will be concerned about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects them. NRAS has provided a summary of all the important information that you need to know about Coronavirus and rheumatoid arthritis, including:
Starting from 19th March 2020, NRAS will be hosting regular Q&A webinar sessions to address as many of your concerns and questions around Rheumatoid Arthritis and COVID-19 as possible.…
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When people are scared they do one of two things – reach out for support and support others, or look after number one. We’ve seen lots of examples of both recently. ARMA members have chosen the first approach. They’ve been sharing information, working together to solve some common problems such as how to advise healthcare professionals working in private practice.
I take my hat off to our patient members organisations who have faced a huge increase in calls to helplines. As NHS services feel the pressure it is getting hard for them to provide their usual advice and people are turning to patient organisations for support.…
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NICE has produced new, rapid guidelines on the active management of COVID-19 infection, which are likely to include patients with rheumatoid arthritis. NICE is also reviewing guidance on ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in relation to impact on Covid-19 illness. Please see this page: https://www.nice.org.uk/covid-19
Chronic (persistent or long-lasting or recurrent) pain significantly impacts individuals, their families and carers. For people with pain, the day-to-day concerns of living with and managing pain are of the highest importance, more so than the underlying condition. Here are some resources on pain available to people at home.
Pain toolkit There are some free video resources; there are also workshops now being delivered online. There may be a fee. http://www.paintoolkit.org/
Pain Physio Association See https://ppa.csp.org.uk/news/2020-03-24-pain-management-resources-during-covid-19-response
With everyone now spending a lot more time at home, it could have a significantly negative impact on people’s physical activity levels. For people with musculoskeletal conditions, there are things that can be done to protect health and manage illness, to maintain good physical and mental health.
Provided people are well enough and following the latest government guidelines, exercise matters during this period and it’s more important than ever right now. It can help manage stress and anxiety too. Here are some specific resources, tailored for musculoskeletal health.…
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We’ve received some specific online resources from our alliance members from health profession organisations, listed below.
British Orthopaedic Association: https://www.boa.ac.uk/ (select from the carousel)
Chartered society of Physiotherapy: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/coronavirus
CSP remote working resource: https://www.csp.org.uk/publications/covid-19-guide-rapid-implementation-remote-consultations
Institute of Osteopathy: https://www.iosteopathy.org/covid-19/
You can also check the websites of all our healthcare profession members here.
Children with a musculoskeletal condition and their parents are understandably concerned about coronavirus (covid-19) and their wellbeing. The following websites may be useful.
Scottish Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology Network (SPARN)
Information for parents and patients on children and young people and Coronavirus (Covid-19):
https://www.sparn.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20-03-24-COVID-patient-information-SPARN.pdf
Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association (Kids with Arthritis incorporating JIA Matters)
Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/CCAAorguk/
[Editor’s note: this post was published in March 2020 and has not been updated since. For more up-to-date reading, please refer to this COVID-19 Information page, which has been updated as new data and resources have come to light.]
Many NHS staff who would normally answer calls from patients are redeployed to the fight against coronavirus (covid-19). Patient charities continue to experience high volumes of calls from concerned people with musculoskeletal conditions. Patient charities are responding with specific information and guidance, including virtual Q&A and risk calculators.…
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