MSK & Arthritis News

Institute of Osteopathy and NASS partner to tackle delay in Ankylosing Spondylitis diagnosis

As part of the Institute of Osteopathy’s partnership with the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS), two refresher seminars held for osteopaths and chiropractors at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath.

The iO is supporting NASS’s work to reduce the current 8.5 year delay to diagnosis in axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis. Over 100 delegates attended the seminars, where Drs Karl Gaffney and Raj Sengupta presented an update on the most recent tools for diagnosis, with an emphasis on the use of MRI and the presence of extra articular manifestations, such as uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.…

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Physical Activity in Adolescence

The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine has updated its position statement Physical Activity in Adolescence. The statement is a useful reference document for both the Sport and Exercise Medicine community and all health professionals, with evidence-informed recommendations for health-related physical activity.

The statement highlights recent objective studies, which have collected data using accelerometry, indicate that less than 25% of adolescents accumulate an average of 60 min per day of moderate physical activity. The guidelines include information on muscle strength, skeletal health, obesity, mental health and wellbeing with recommendations for the type and length of regular physical activity in this population.…

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Against the Odds: Scaling innovation in the NHS

Guest blog by David Albury, Board Director Innovation Unit

Why have so many innovations in the NHS failed to make the impact they might because they remain in isolated pockets and never spread? Here at the Innovation Unit we decided to look at this question from a more positive angle and ask where innovation has spread and what made that possible?

There is broad agreement that the pressures and challenges currently facing the NHS can only be addressed through developing and scaling innovations that significantly improve outcomes whilst significantly reducing costs.…

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#LoveYourHealth – Promoting public health and raising the profile of osteopathy

Throughout April, the Institute of Osteopathy has been promoting their #LoveYourHealth social media campaign, showcasing key health and wellbeing messages with the public. The focus of the campaign was to provide practical advice and tips to help people make informed decisions to improve their health.

#LoveYourHealth, which was centred around International Osteopathic Healthcare Week, showcased new patient-facing resource pages that the iO has recently developed around a number of key themes:

  • Getting active
  • Healthy aging
  • Sleeping better
  • Health at work
  • Understanding persistent pain

The focus of the social media campaign was to promote the positive role that osteopathy plays in supporting the health of our patients.…

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Patient survey on MSK self-management apps

EULAR has funded a project aimed at understanding the development, evaluation and implementation of mobile phone applications for self-management in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Following a systematic literature teview, the project task force is now at a stage where it would like to gain insights into the patient’s views, perceptions and current use of health apps for self-management.

EULAR therefore kindly asks you to fill in the following survey:
surveymonkey.com/mHealthAppsSurvey
It takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

London Choosing Wisely programme

The London Choosing Wisely programme is a clinically-led review of evidence for a set of surgical procedures. It looks to ensure they are used consistently across London and their use follows a criteria that ultimately improves the health of patients.

Aim of the review
To make sure people with an equal need, wherever they live in London, have equal access to treatments. A standard approach across London means people will achieve better healthcare and doctors will have better guidance on what should be offered to patients.…

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Apply for the MSK Champions Programme

Arthritis Research UK’s vision is to develop and cultivate a UK-wide community of multi-disciplinary learners, leaders and influencers of change in musculoskeletal health services, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of lives for people affected by musculoskeletal conditions.

Together with Ashridge Executive Education, we have created a bespoke leadership initiative, which individuals through a unique development programme to become Champions of musculoskeletal care. The programme will be tailored to meet individual leadership development needs and ensure that Champions are supported and coached to drive tangible improvements in MSK services within their local health systems.…

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New Self-Management Event in Blackpool

Arthritis Action will be holding a new two-day Self-Management Event on 2-3 May 2018 between 2pm–4.30pm at Blackpool Central Library, Queen Street, FY1 1PX

The aim is to help attendees take control of the symptoms of their arthritis, covering topics such as:

  • The impact of physical therapies
  • How you can best manage your pain
  • The benefits of exercise and a healthy diet
  • Ways to work in partnership with healthcare professionals

This event will be free of charge and refreshments will be provided, and is open to all.…

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NICE guideline on Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder (March 2020)

The final scope and equality impact assessment for this NICE guideline have now been published, along with all the stakeholder comments that were received during consultation and the NICE responses to these comments.

The ARMA organisation was identified as a key stakeholder for this topic; NICE would like to thank the ARMA members for our continued involvement and interest in this guideline. The comments received during the consultation period helped to develop and refine the scope.

NICE will contact ARMA again when the draft guideline is released for consultation, and they ask that we prioritise sending them our comments.…

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The MSK Champions programme

Are you passionate about leading changes in musculoskeletal care?

Arthritis Research UK are delighted to announce the launch of the MSK Champions programme; a prestigious leadership development opportunity.

Together with Ashridge Executive Education, we have created a bespoke leadership initiative, which will support you through a unique development programme to become a Champion of musculoskeletal care.  If your application to this programme is successful, you will be supported and coached to drive improvements in musculoskeletal care within your local health system.…

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