Sense checking draft knee arthroscopy policy

As you are hopefully already aware, a clinically-led programme called London Choosing Wisely is underway to develop pan-London policies for eight treatment areas, to ensure patients across London have consistent access to treatment that improves their health, based on the latest available evidence.  Full details about the programme, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, are available online via: healthylondon.org/london-choosing-wisely

The London Choosing Wisely programme expert groups for knee arthroscopyvaricose vein procedures, and cataract surgery have now prepared a draft pan-London policy in their treatment areas.…

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Help develop the NICE guideline on Rehabilitation after Traumatic injury

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produces guidance on the most effective ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and ill health, and provide social care support. Their guidance is based on research evidence and takes into account the views of people working in or using relevant services, and other stakeholder groups.

NICE is currently looking for patients and their advocates (usually referred to as ‘lay members’ at NICE) to join the committee developing the guideline on Rehabilitation after Traumatic injury.  

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Training: Core Skills in Musculoskeletal Care

Arthritis Research UK has developed the educational package Core Skills in Musculoskeletal Care. It has been created by GPs for GPs and aims to support professionals ‘get the basics right’ in musculoskeletal care and equip GPs with the essential knowledge, skill and confidence needed to manage the most common MSK conditions seen in primary and community care.

The package consists of the popular e-learning module hosted on the RCGP website as well as the new hands-on, interactive workshops.

See a video of the workshop in action.…

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Support ARMA and increase your MSK health

The Fit4Change app converts miles to money for charities, giving an extra incentive to take regular physical activity that will improve your MSK health. You can use it for running, walking, cycling and exercising indoors.

Just download the Fit4Change app to your phone, select Arthritis and Musc Alliance as your chosen charity, remember to start before you begin your activity and finish at the end, and the app does the rest. It’s a simple way to support our work – just remember to start the app whenever you start your activity.

British Chiropractic Association Autumn Conference 2018

13 & 14 October 2018
Hilton Birmingham Metropole

The BCA is delighted to invite you to attend the British Chiropractic Association Autumn Conference 2018, brought to you with a fresh look and feel. The event has been organised and coordinated by a new team and is sure to be the chiropractic event of the year!

The event has speaker presentations and workshops focusing on patient-centred care. The BCA will be welcoming new graduate members to the association and celebrating the new council.…

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Love Activity, Hate Exercise? from the CSP

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy launches a summer campaign which aims to tackle the growing issue of physical inactivity across the UK.

‘Love Activity, Hate Exercise?’ addresses the emotional as well as physical barriers millions of people with long-term conditions face in being more physically active.

The campaign is aimed at people aged 40-70 years old that are living with conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease, after research from the CSP found that more than 30% are completely inactive each week.…

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New publication: ARMA policy position paper on supported self-management

ARMA policy teams and CEOs collaborated to agree a Policy Position Paper on Supported Self-Management for People with Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions. The Policy Position Paper sets out recommendations for change.

The evidence identifies the importance of patients as partners in their own care. While people with musculoskeletal conditions can play a pivotal role in their condition, most are simply unaware of the difference they can make. That’s why the Alliance believes people should be supported to take a proactive role in their health, to live well, feeling confident and in control of their condition with supported self-management.…

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No health without MSK health

“No health without MSK health”. Those were the words of our guest speaker at the ARMA AGM and they clearly struck a chord with members. They were on my mind last week when I attended a consultation meeting held by NHS England about the new ten-year plan for the NHS. At the moment MSK health doesn’t get as much profile as conditions such as mental health, cancer or cardiovascular. Not to downplay the importance of these conditions, but MSK health underpins all aspects of our ability to be independent and lead the active lives we want.…

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Societal Impact of Pain framing paper and webinar

With the help of their partners and endorsers, Pain Alliance Europe has created a Framing Paper and Joint Statement: policy documents that analyse the existing initiatives and remaining gaps in policy actions to tackle the impact of pain on societies, economies and individuals.

This document was discussed with the participants in attendance to the first webinar of the Thematic Network on the Societal Impact of Pain (SIP), hosted by the European Commission, which took place 25 June 2018. The webinar can be watched again here.…

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Petition for access to specialist lupus care

The Pembrokeshire Lupus Support Group and LUPUS UK are petitioning the Secretary of State for Health at the Welsh Assembly Government to remove the ‘gate keeper principle’ from their healthcare provision.

Patients with lupus and other rare autoimmune illnesses in Wales are being denied the right to access expertise that could really benefit them in the long term.

You can see more about the problem, read the petition and sign it here.