Health Policy | ARMA

Delay to diagnosis in musculoskeletal disease

Introduction

Across a range of MSK conditions there is evidence of significant delays to diagnosis which result in avoidable morbidity and mortality. GPs have a critical role to play in reducing time to diagnosis. This article looks at the delays, their impact, and the resources available to GPs to support their referral decisions. Our simple message is #ThinkRheum.

Delay to diagnosis

Significant delay from symptom onset to diagnosis has been seen across a range of MSK conditions: an average of 6.4 yeas in Lupus ^[1], 8.5 years in axial spondyloarthrtis (axial SpA) ^[2] and an estimated 10 years in Ehlers-Danos syndromes (EDS).…

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HMSA at European Parliament “Optimising Patient Outcomes” meeting

The HMSA has been out and about quite a bit this month, last week attending the “Optimising Patient Relevant Outcome Measures for sustainable healthcare systems and strong economies” meeting at the European Parliament.

On Wednesday 20 June, Hannah Ensor (HMSA trustee) and Lisa Renaut (HMSA volunteer) visited the European Parliament for this important meeting of the Brain Mind Pain interest group (thanks to Pain Alliance Europe for funding travel expenses.) The talks were both informative and interesting.

Cathalijne van Doorne, from Euro Ataxia, spoke about the practical importance of clinical research and interventions focusing on what would most benefit the patient – which is a big shift from what the clinical priorities might be.…

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Help develop the NICE guideline on technology-based ways of changing people’s behaviour

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. NICE 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 are currently looking for people who have used technology to change their behaviour and improve their health and wellbeing, as well as their carers and those who advocate on their behalf (usually referred to as ‘lay members’ at NICE).…

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Living with persistent pain in Wales – consultation open

The Welsh Government has published its draft ‘Living with persistent pain in Wales guidance’ for consultation and is seeking views on the draft guidance which will replace the Service Development and Commissioning Directive for Chronic Non-Malignant Pain 2008.

The consultation is on the proposed direction of the draft guidance, which includes: living with pain, supported self-management and health service provision.

More information on the consultation, together with the draft guidance, can be downloaded from the gov.wales website.

The consultation ends 14 September 2018.…

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NASS welcomes QS for Spondyloarthritis

NASS welcomes the publication by NICE of a set of Quality Standards for Spondyloarthritis. Now we need to ensure that they are implemented effectively across the country so that every AS patient, every time, gets early diagnosis and high quality care.

The NICE Quality Standard for Spondyloarthritis covers four areas:

Adults with suspected axial or peripheral spondyloarthritis are referred to a rheumatologist.
Adults with suspected axial spondyloarthritis and an X-ray that does not show sacroiliitis have an MRI using an inflammatory back pain protocol.

…

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Apply to be an MSK Champion

Time is running out to become a Champion of Musculoskeletal Care. The deadline for this unique opportunity is 17 June 2018.

Arthritis Research UK, together with Ashridge Executive Education, have created a bespoke leadership initiative with the aim of driving forward tangible improvements in MSK services within the local health systems of each Champion.

We are looking for individuals who are involved in the design, commissioning and/or delivery of musculoskeletal care, including front-line clinicians, public health practitioners, commissioners and service managers.…

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NHS Employers – Health and Wellbeing Framework

The new NHS Workforce Health and Wellbeing Framework is now available. This is the result of two years’ work with NHS organisations, NHS Employers, NHS Improvement, Public Health England and a range of voluntary sector and government partners. The NHSE appreciate the MSK-specific expertise that we have shared with them on behalf of ARMA.

The Framework will support NHS organisations through an easy-to-use diagnostic tool and a comprehensive range of guidance against fourteen core organisational enablers and health interventions proven to improve staff health and wellbeing.…

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Guest blog: Why doesn’t it work?

by Dr Steven Boorman CBE, Director of Employee Health, Empactis,
Chair of the Council for Work and Health

As I head towards the milestone later this year of passing my thirtieth year in occupational health, I find myself optimistic mixed with the “glass half empty” of recognising that the same barriers remain in place: barriers to those who want to work with long term conditions. Over my career I have worked regularly with ARMA members and experts, and I have personal experience of working with a MSK condition.…

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New ADPH Policy Positions – A Life Course Approach to Public Health

The Association of Directors of Public Health has just published a series of statements examining good health across the life course, which are available to view here.

The policies set out a life-course approach to public health, exploring health and wellbeing, working well, healthy ageing, and health inequality.

See #adph18 on twitter.

All of the ADPH position statements (including those published previously) are can be seen online at the policy statements page on adph.org.uk website.

The Government’s Industrial Strategy for MSK

The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy represents a once-in-a-decade investment in new technologies and research in the UK, with our ageing society forming one of its flagship ‘Grand Challenges’. This £300m+ investment will focus on everything from earlier diagnosis of disease to developing new innovative products and technologies that help people maintain their independence as they age.

Arthritis Research UK has been keeping the Government aware of the importance and impact of tackling musculoskeletal conditions, and we have been working hard in meetings with civil servants and attending at ministerial roundtables to ensure the Government achieves its ambitions around ‘healthy ageing’.…

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