Author: Garreth

New & improved app for teens and young adults

After a successful launch last year, Versus Arthritis has exciting news about the next evolution of their free app, “Arthritis Tracker”. Available on Android and iPhone, the symptom and wellbeing tracker can help health professionals make the most of the time they have with patients and quickly get an understanding of some the key issues that a young person is facing, leaving more time to discuss treatment options.

“The app is great – I am actively encouraging young people in my clinic to use it.…

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New stretching videos to help keep moving and manage your arthritis

stretching 2Versus Arthritis has developed ten new stretching ‘follow along’ videos specifically to help people with arthritis to maintain flexibility and to help relieve stiffness.

The 15-minute ‘follow along’ format means that the videos can be easily incorporated into people’s daily routine. All of the exercises are designed to be done at home with some of the fun movements making use of everyday household objects.

This video series will form a key part of Let’s Move, a dedicated programme funded by Sport England for people with arthritis who want more movement in their lives.…

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Patient and public voice partners wanted to support Best MSK Health

The National Best Musculoskeletal (MSK) programme is seeking 10 lived experience partners to support the programme. Deadline for applications is 10 November 2021.

The programme is working across primary, community, secondary and post-hospital care and across all age groups, to move towards lifelong best MSK health in all communities. Our aim is to sustain the delivery of evidence-informed personalised, high-quality integrated healthcare valued by everyone, using a collaborative and co-productive approach.

The programme aims to do the following:

  • Drive improvement throughout patient journeys in healthcare
  • Enhance the management of patients when in primary care or in the community
  • Promote and support the use of digital technology to achieve the best outcomes for our patients

There are 10 workstreams, each will all be allocated a lived experience partner to join them in their team.…

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SMILE-RA from NRAS

Working closely with health professionals and people living with RA, NRAS has created SMILE-RA- a platform to support people with self-management of their RA. With an intuitive interface, the modules can be selected which are of interest and relevance.

The modules available are the following:

  • Foundation
  • Newly Diagnosed
  • Meet the Team
  • Managing pain and Flares

New modules will continue to be added as they are developed. Visit nras.org.uk/selfmanagement for more information!

Hear from NRAS National Patient Champion, Ailsa Bosworth MBE, explaining in this video what supported self-management is all about and how SMILE, can help people living with RA.

NOA Annual members’ conference a success

The 2021 NOA Annual Members’ Conference held on 20 October was an opportunity for staff representing NOA member organisations, patient representatives and NOA partners from across the country to share achievements, address shared challenges and discuss what’s in store for orthopaedics in the future.

Visit the NOA website here to find out more about the day, which featured a presentation from ARMA CEO, Sue Brown.

RCPod foot arthritis patient resources

In collaboration with a number of partners the Royal College of Podiatry has developed a number of resources for people who suffer with arthritis in their feet. The main resource is available through the web page and can be accessible in over 100 languages. There are also favourable downloads in leaflet form for those wishing to pass the information on.

Please visit rcpod.org.uk/patient-information/arthritis for further information.

Arthritis Action’s World Arthritis Day campaign

To mark World Arthritis Day on 12th October, Arthritis Action ran a week-long campaign on social channels to raise awareness of arthritis and highlight the impact a year living with the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people living with long-term pain conditions, like arthritis. This included the launch of a new video, where Arthritis Action members and volunteers Leigh Walmsley and Lucy Morley-Williams share their inspiring stories of living with arthritis during a difficult year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.…

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Versus Arthritis Core Skills webinars and courses

Versus Arthritis is running several webinars in the coming months:

Versus Arthritis MSK bitesize webinar
Wednesday 8 December 1-4pm

During this webinar the trainer will take you on a rapid run through of 10 MSK topics that present frequently in primary care. £55 / £50 for members of the Versus Arthritis professional network.

Versus Arthritis Chronic pain and the NICE guidelines webinar
Thursday 13 January 6-8pm

Managing chronic pain can be one of the most difficult aspects of primary care for both doctors and patients.…

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Edgar Stene Prize 2022 competition

EULAR bannerThe late Edgar Stene, who had severe ankylosing spondylitis, was a great promoter of co-operation between doctors, patients and community workers. The EULAR Edgar Stene Prize Competition runs yearly in his memory and honour. First prize is EUR 1,000 and the winner will be invited to attend the EULAR Congress in 2022. Second prize is EUR 700 and third prize is EUR 300.

The prize will be awarded next year to the winning essay on the topic:

“How treating my RMD has influenced my hopes for the future”  

EULAR are encouraging people to write about their personal experiences on the competition topic, answering the questions:

  • What were the biggest challenges and what motivated you along your journey?
…

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Patiently Waiting

Independent Age, a charity for those in later life, has launched a new report titled ‘Patiently waiting: Older people’s experiences of waiting for surgery’. The report highlights the challenges for older people in England waiting for surgical procedures, and the impact waiting has on their mental, emotional and physical health. It also features what older people would like in terms of support and information as they wait for surgery.

Waiting times for treatment have been increasing over the past five years.…

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