MSK & Arthritis News

NRAS SMILE-RA webinars

NRAS will be hosting two webinars on the 25 May and 31 May to explain more about their free online self-management programme SMILE-RA and how it can help health professionals and their patients.

The webinars are free to attend and will cover:

  • Introduction to SMILE-RA.
  • How the programme can help patients and the importance of self-management.
  • How to register for the SMILE-RA programme.
  • What the clinicians and rheumatology health professionals have to say.
  • A Q&A session on the programme.

Visit the SMILE-RA page to sign up.…

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Free Ask the OT patient webinar

HMSA logoThe Hypermobility Syndromes Association supports everyone with hypermobility. On Thursday, 18th May at 7pm they have an extra special ‘Ask the OT’ session for patients with hypermobility.

The regular slot will have not only Occupational Therapist Jo Southall, but also the HMSA’s Lead Medical Advisor and Consultant Rheumatologist, Dr Phillip Bull.  This ‘Ask the Experts’ session will be open, free to members and non-members. The Association hopes you can join in. Bring your questions – or send them in advance.…

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Encouraging Physical Activity webinar

Versus Arthritis: Encouraging Physical Activity in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions

Date: 7 June 2023
Time: 7-8pm
Delivered via Microsoft Teams Live

This free webinar aimed at healthcare professionals will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to effectively manage conversations with your patients about physical activity. Learn about the recommended levels of physical activity and how physical activity can help people with arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions to manage their symptoms.

Key learning outcomes:

  • To understand the physical activity guidelines and how to apply them to your patients.
…

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ORUK Invention for Innovation: AI in MSK

Orthopaedic Research UK is seeking to co-fund research applications with the National Institute for Health and Care Research that have the aim of transforming musculoskeletal health outcomes through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The April 2023 NIHR Invention for Innovation Product Development Award call 26 and Challenge call 15 invite proposals in AI in musculoskeletal health for research that falls into any of the following areas:

  • Diagnosis
  • Self-management
  • Treatment optimisation
  • Monitoring
  • Risk stratification
  • Health economics

To make a significant contribution to the health of the majority of patients demanding support, and reduce the costs to the NHS, the application of AI technology must be broadened and accelerated and access to data improved.…

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Susan Booth joins the Ehlers-Danlos support UK as CEO

EDS UK CEOThe trustees of The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK are delighted to announce that Susan Booth, recently Executive Director, Development at Target Ovarian Cancer, has been appointed to succeed Kay Julier. Susan will take up the position from 1 July and work alongside Kay from mid-June.

Stephen Stacey, chair of trustees, said: “When Kay told me that she wanted to step down at the end of June, I knew we had a tough task to find a successor. I am confident that Susan will take the organisation to the next level, building on the deeply impressive work of Kay and her team.…

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ARMA Annual Lecture 2023

With a growing number of people affected by long-term MSK conditions, improving their quality of life has never been more important. Yet services are under increasing pressure, with lengthy backlogs, leaving many to believe our current models are unsustainable.

Could the solution lie in our local communities? That’s the topic of ARMA’s 2023 Annual Lecture, Community-Powered MSK, taking place virtually on Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 6pm.

Adam Lent, Chief Executive of New Local, will join Laura Finucane, a Consultant Physiotherapist and Clinical Director of Sussex MSK Partnership, to explore innovative ways to tackle these issues.…

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Budget Announcement

MSK conditions are one of the leading causes of disability in the UK, resulting in millions of lost working days in the UK, as well as significant numbers leaving the workforce each year.

Not only does this have a serious impact on those affected, in terms of income and mental health, but it also means that their much-needed skills and experience are lost to the economy.

That’s why it is welcome news that the Government has announced a package of support for those with disabilities or affected by long-term sickness, as part of this year’s Spring Budget.…

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A step change in the priority for MSK

by Sue Brown, CEO ARMA

I’m delighted to be writing, for the second time this year, about MSK getting a high profile in Government policy. Two months ago I wrote about the Major Conditions Strategy, and now we have a budget which included funding for MSK. By including the word musculoskeletal in such a major annual economic event, the speech has underlined the vital importance of MSK health to our country and our economy.

The budget included three initiatives for MSK:

  • Digital resources for MSK and Mental Health – £310 million over 5 years
  • MSK Hubs – £20 million over 4 years
  • Increase employment advisers in health settings (including MSK services) – £150 million over 5 years

This is a lot of money, although given the numbers of people with MSK conditions, nowhere near as much as it sounds.…

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