During the last 12 months, the RCN Rheumatology Forum (RCNRF) has held two strategy meetings: one on 20 March 2018 and (a self-funded one) on the 28 November 2019, during which the following items were discussed and agreed.
Review of RCNRF publication:
The agreed projects for 2019/2020 include review of:
- 2017 (4th edition) of the RCN Biologics guidance document for Rheumatology Practitioners – “Assessing, managing and monitoring Biologic therapies for Inflammatory Arthritis”
- 2016 (3rd edition) of the RCN Administration of subcutaneous Methotrexate guidance document.
Both documents are due for review in 2019. This is very timely as there have been significant developments in both of these areas over the past 12 months, which needs to be included and accurately reflected in each of the respective documents.
New publication:
The RCNRF is now undertaking the development of a new and very exciting Rheumatology Specialist Nurse Competency and Career Framework, which we hope to have completed by 2020. This has been sought by our members.
This project is being led by Di Finney, Consultant Rheumatology Nurse, Sussex MSK Partnership (former RCNRF committee member), supported by the RCNRF committee and forum members. The aim of this framework is to: provide a practical, educational and career development framework promoting consistency in the knowledge, skills and development of all current and future Rheumatology Specialist Nurses and support robust succession planning for future years.
The development of the framework is in its early stages. Due to the nature and complexities involved, much time and cross-collaboration with multiple stakeholders and experts across all nations will be required.
RCN Congress 2019:
RCN Congress is being held in Liverpool next year (19 – 23 May 2019). Two RCNRF committee members, (Helen Smith and Julie Begum), will be attending and representing the RCNRF, and share the voting for the forum. They will feedback to the forum and, as appropriate, share their experience and learning from this with the wider Rheumatology nursing community, via our website and Facebook pages respectively.
RCNRF and ARMA co-production and allegiance:
The RCNRF continue to forge strong links and work very closely with ARMA. The RCNRF committee have two ARMA representatives (Lisa Howie and Louise Parker (RCNRF Chair)), who attend and participate in the various, relevant ARMA meetings held during the year. The information gained during these respective ARMA meetings is shared and discussed with the RCNRF committee members and as and when appropriate, disseminated to the wider Rheumatology Nursing communities linked to the RCNRF, for the purpose of providing, promoting and facilitating improved knowledge, relations and communication about ARMA and the co-work undertaken with RCNRF.
RCNRF and BSR/BHPR co-production and allegiance:
This year the RCNRF have further strengthened their allegiance with the BSR/BPHR, so to ensure that the communication between the professional groups is even more robust, which is/will be of particular importance with regard the RCNRFs pending project plans eg review of two national best practice guidance documents.
The RCNRF have two nominated BSR/BHPR representatives, (Helen Smith and Louise Parker (RCNRF Chair)), who alternatively attend the various relevant meetings held during the year. Again the information gained from these meetings are shared and discussed with the RCNRF committee members and as and when appropriate, disseminated to the wider Rheumatology Nursing community linked to the RCNRF, for the purpose of providing, promoting and facilitating improved knowledge, relations and communication about the BSR/BHPR and the co-work undertaken with RCNRF.
RCNRF and NICE:
The RCNRF continue to work closely with NICE, by contributing to and providing professional Rheumatology Nursing statements, comments and feedback with regard various rheumatology NICE appraisals.