Author: Garreth

Direct access to physiotherapy benefits MSK patients

Between 20 and 30% of a GP caseload is made up of patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions; by expanding the availability of physiotherapy in general practice, GP time is freed up and patients are put in the driving seat, receiving the right care from the right professional. Physiotherapists are experts regarding MSK issues and have the same high safety record as GPs.

There are already examples of experienced physiotherapists working alongside GPs as the first point of contact for MSK patients.…

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National Clinical Audit – Collection of case studies

BSR have produced a collection of case studies which highlight and share best practice between the rheumatology services that took part in the National Clinical Audit for rheumatoid and early inflammatory arthritis.

Following the publication of the second annual report in July 2016, BSR undertook an analysis to identify providers which had performed well in relation to NICE Quality Standard 33 and, specifically, each of the statements within the standard. These providers were contacted and asked to submit case studies to explain how they had achieved these results and confirmation that their clinical lead was happy to provide peer support to other units.…

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NOS Fracture Liaison Services – a key and proven measure

Fracture Liaison Services hold key to addressing crisis in osteoporosis, attendees at National Osteoporosis conference hear
 
The growing crisis in osteoporosis causing 300,000 debilitating fractures and costing the NHS £1.9bn every year can be effectively addressed by implementing and improving Fracture Liaison Services throughout hospitals and clinics across the UK, attendees at the National Osteoporosis Society conference in Birmingham heard in November.
 
Dr Kassim Javaid, Consultant in Metabolic Medicine at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust – who spoke about Fracture Liaison Services at the conference – said: “The enormous personal cost of the often debilitating fractures caused by osteoporosis and the financial impact on our already under-pressure health service will only intensify as our population ages.…

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New MSK alliance in Wales

arthritis-care-wales-square-280Arthritis Care Wales is looking for representatives from voluntary sector organisations who would like to join a new MSK alliance, with the aim of sharing knowledge and working together to shape the policy agenda. If you are interested in hearing more, please contact HywelE@arthritiscare.org.uk.

 

Save the date: Arthritis Care Week 2017

Plans are underway for next year’s Arthritis Care Week, which will take place from 8-14 May.

Portsmouth Rheumatology Winter Newsletter

getting-to-grips-leafletports-winter-newsletter-coverThe Winter newsletter from the Department of Rheumatology, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, is out now.

It includes: tips and advice for keeping well; introducing new consultants; details of awards; a carer resource pack; drug documentation; fatigue advice; and the calendar of local events.

Click here to open the newsletter. [PDF, 931 KB]

Getting to Grips Programme

The Department is also pleased to announce that the successful “Getting to Grips with Arthritis and Connective Tissue Disease” programme will start at the Petersfield Community Hospital in October 2016.…

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FSEM Launches Updated Professional Code

FSEM-Logo-with-textx250At the beginning of November, the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (FSEM) UK launched a new version of its Professional Code. Designed for use by Fellows and Members of the FSEM, this important guide is also relevant to any doctor working in Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) or looking after a sports team at any level.

The code informs the public and athletes that the best interest of the individual athlete will always be paramount should they receive medical care from a Fellow or Member of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK.…

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BMAS Foundation Courses in Western Medical Acupuncture

bmas-logo-square-300FOUNDATION COURSES IN WESTERN MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE

Venues:  York, Cardiff, London, Glasgow, Dublin, Northwich (Cheshire)

  • Four-day course for regulated health professionals
  • Experienced, medically trained lecturers
  • Comprehensive course notes
  • 100 Free needles

 

Acupuncture for BACK PAIN Course
2 March 2017 BMAS House, Cheshire

A 1 day course consisting of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions.

The practical elements of the course involve one session on rapid assessment of low back pain, mainly aimed at practitioners who are not already experts in musculoskeletal assessment, as well as one session devoted to needling of the back and posterior hip girdle.…

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Realising the Value

post-realising-value-iconsA major new body of work has concluded that person-centred approaches are pivotal to improving health and care during financially restrained times.

The Realising the Value programme has conducted a thorough analysis of the evidence for person- and community-centred approaches, worked with five frontline sites across England, and published tools, recommendations and economic modelling to show how they can be successfully implemented.

Aimed at health and care system leaders, commissioners and front-line professionals, the resources from the programme conclude that person- and community- centred approaches are pivotal to improving wellbeing outcomes during financially restrained times.…

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Tackling MSK conditions in the workplace requires a joined-up approach

dr-justin-varney-phe-nlGuest blog by Dr Justin Varney, National Lead for Adult Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England

Musculoskeletal health issues, along with mental health issues, continue to account for the majority of sickness absence in the UK. It is estimated that 9.5 million working days are lost each year due to musculoskeletal health problems and over a third of all long-term sickness absence in England.

MSK conditions can affect people at any age and at any point in their career. One in eight people of working age in the UK have a musculoskeletal issue and the prevalence of MSK conditions in the workforce is projected to increase to affect over 7 million people by 2030, a reflection of the impact of the ageing working profile.…

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