Garreth | Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance

BSR publishes updated DMARDs guideline

British Society for Rheumatology publishes updated guideline non-biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

This latest guidance sets out evidence based recommendations for clinicians prescribing synthetic, non-biologic, anti-rheumatic drugs to tackle multisystem rheumatic conditions. Previous guidelines on DMARDs were published in 2008 but significant shifts in the evidence base mean updated guidance is needed. Monitoring of DMARDs is essential and the guideline includes focuses on baseline screening; implications of co-morbid illness; monitoring for toxicity; management during intercurrent illness or surgery, and shared care guidance.…

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Wellbeing Our Way: WOW! Exchange online catalogue

Wellbeing Our Way’s WOW! Exchange is an online catalogue of more than 100 examples of how charities and community groups are enabling people to live well, in the ways which matter to them.

The examples are searchable by person-centred approach (e.g. peer support, supporting self management) and population group (e.g. children, LGBT+) so you can easily find the examples most useful for your own work. Have a look at the Exchange and share your own great work.

Event: Facilitation Masterclass
29 March 2017, Central London

Great facilitation can enable problem solving, deepen stakeholder engagement and energise strategic-level planning.…

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Could long-term conditions reach the point where patients are actually driving the research agenda?

by Kate Gilbert, PhD, Project Lead for PMRGCAuk’s Rheuma Research Roadshows

I’m writing this on a train on a February evening, feeling worn out but excited, a state of mind familiar to any development worker who has just launched a major project. In this case, the PMRGCAuk team have just held the first of our Research Roadshows, funded by a grant from the Wellcome Trust, focusing on Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica. The roadshows are going to take place at research hubs around the country. …

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Musculoskeletal toolkit to help employers support people with MSK

ARMA is working with Public Health England and Business In The Community to develop a new toolkit for employers in the workplace, which launches in Spring/Summer 2017. Musculoskeletal conditions are an important consideration for businesses as they are a leading cause of pain and disability in the UK, affecting many employees.

The toolkit draws together information for employers to support staff in the prevention, early identification, management and adaptation for people affected by musculoskeletal conditions. The musculoskeletal toolkit is a simple step-by-step guide dealing with back, neck, muscle and joint pain at work.…

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Health and Wellbeing at Work conference

7-8 March 2017
NEC Birmingham

Now in its 11th successful year, Health and Wellbeing at Work is widely recognised as the UK’s leading event for improving the health, wellbeing, safety and performance of today’s workforce.

With 20 conference programmes, an impressive speaker line up and an unrivalled exhibition showcasing the latest ideas, innovations and products from who’s who in the health and wellbeing arena, it is no wonder that over 3500 delegates attend every year.

Add to that the prestigious support from leading professional organisations and an engaged and highly influential audience, and you will want to make sure you are part of the success story.…

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Love your heart with NRAS

On Valentine’s Day, NRAS was delighted to announce its upcoming initiative called ‘Love Your Heart’ – an interactive online programme that will enable people with RA to assess their cardiovascular risk and set personal goals to improve their cardiovascular health.

NRAS has collaborated with Dr Holly John, Consultant Rheumatologist at Dudley General hospital to create this programme. It is currently in testing phase and will be launched in April 2017.

EULAR PARE Best Practice Webinars

EULAR has decided to organise a webinar every 3-4 months which will be run by one of the member organisations of EULAR PARE and which will highlight and introduce some of their activities.

You and your colleagues are kindly invited to join us for our second webinar. Everyone is welcome so please spread this information in your organisation!

This second session will be led by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society which is a member of ARMA, EULAR’s British member organisation. Ailsa Bosworth, CEO of the organisation, and her colleagues Clare Jacklin and Conn O`Neill will share information around two successful projects:

‘Behind the Smile’

This is a project we did in collaboration with Lilly.

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New self-management event in Bury St Edmunds

Arthritis Action will be holding a new two day Self-Management Event on 15^th and 16^th March 2017 in Bury St Edmunds.

We aim to help our 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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Professional recognition in Sport and Exercise Medicine now available to all doctors

Skills in SEM can provide much needed knowledge to manage many common MSK conditions
Exercise Medicine and Musculoskeletal Medicine an important part of prevention and public health

The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (FSEM) UK is opening its doors by enabling all medical doctors with skills in Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) to sit a new Membership Exam and apply for membership of the FSEM; the recognised, professional organisation which sets standards in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Exercise Medicine and Team Care.…

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Sport and Exercise Medicine and its Relevance to Work, Health and Disability

Sport and Exercise Medicine and its Relevance to Work, Health and Disability

The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (FSEM) UK submitted a response to the Work, Health and Disability Consultation focused on the specialty’s ability to provide service delivery in MSK Medicine. Key points from the response included:

Sport and Exercise Medicine has the skills and knowledge to lead clinical vocational multi-disciplinary teams which can improve health and employment outcomes in the community.
Early assessment for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions is key, via a community-based Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) team who can provide functional analysis of limitations and abilities and decide on the optimal care pathway, in order to meet health and employment needs.

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