health inequality | ARMA

Two sides of the same coin: inequalities in healthcare

by Sue Brown, CEO ARMA

ARMA is in the process of writing up the report of our inquiry into the impact of deprivation on MSK health inequalities. Of course, this is not the only factor that impacts on MSK health inequalities. Age, sex, ethnicity and a range of other factors intersect to give the highly unequal picture we see. So I was delighted to be invited to speak at a Kings Fund conference on women’s health.

MSK proved to be an excellent introduction to the day with many parallels with the rest of the agenda.…

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Self-management and health inequalities

by Sue Brown, CEO ARMA

I’ve been talking a lot about self-management recently. We’ve had conflicting views through our MSK health inequalities inquiry – does it help address inequalities or exacerbate them?

It seems that it partly depends on what you mean by self-management. One of our lived experience partners said, “self-management is code for you’re on your own.” There is some suspicion amongst both people living with MSK conditions and health care professionals that this is the case, which can lead to resistance to uptake in the NHS.…

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Moving from exclusion to inclusion in digital health and care

This long read from the Kings Fund looks at practical suggestions for addressing digital exclusion. The recommendations are grouped under three headings:

fixing the fundamentals
structuring services around people’s needs and preferences
improving the quality and consistency of services.

The article considers a range of issues, including how to provide devices, the best ways to provide data, building digital skills and working with communities to develop more inclusive services. It is must-read for anyone involved in MSK digital projects.

Call for evidence into MSK Health Inequalities closing soon!

The call for evidence in ARMA’s Inquiry into MSK health inequalities is closing on Monday April 3rd! This is a crucial opportunity to share your insights and experiences and help shape the future of MSK healthcare in the UK.

The inquiry aims to explore and address the persistent inequalities in MSK healthcare outcomes and access across the country. Deprivation is a significant driver of inequalities in MSK health. People in deprived areas experience more chronic pain, are more likely to have a long term MSK condition and experience worse clinical outcomes and quality of life.…

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Making good MSK health for all a reality

I am writing this on International Women’s Day, thinking about the many different facets of inequalities in musculoskeletal health. Deprivation is one of the most significant drivers, which is why we have chosen to focus our inquiry on deprivation. However, we know there are other factors including ethnicity, age, sex and gender.

Women are disproportionately affected by MSK conditions: 35% of women compared with 28% of men experience an MSK condition, (Versus Arthritis). So I was pleased that the Women’s Health Ambassador recently organised a roundtable about the women’s health strategy for England and MSK health.…

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ARMA to launch MSK equalities project

Over 20 million people in the UK experience musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as chronic musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. But these do not affect the population equally. Women, older people, those living in deprivation, and some ethnic groups are disproportionately affected in terms of prevalence and impact. In addition, those with MSK conditions experience inequalities when it comes to accessing services and in outcomes.

Our ambition is to reduce these health equalities and ensure everyone can access the highest quality health and care, regardless of their background or where they live.…

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A week to focus on health equalities

I was delighted last week to be able to join NHS England’s Health Inequalities Improvement Board to present on the importance of MSK health for equalities. I am also delighted that Bola Owolabi, Director of NHS England’s National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme, has written the guest blog for the October issue of our newsletter.

We’ve chosen to highlight equalities during Bone and Joint Week this year because it is critically important. Poor MSK health contributes to and exacerbates health inequalities. MSK is fundamental to our ability to work, socialise, move, eat a good diet – in fact, all the things that enable us to stay healthy.…

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Guest blog: Narrowing the gap

by Bola Owolabi, Director, National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme

Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health across the population, and between different groups within society. They arise because of the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work and age. These conditions influence how we think, feel and act and can impact both our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

This #BoneJointWeek I am delighted to see the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance’s commitment to taking action to narrow musculoskeletal health inequalities, particularly with regards to listening to the experiences of underserved communities and working in partnership to improve care.…

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BMI restrictions on surgery worsen health inequalities

Researchers have found a drop in the number of knee replacement operations carried out in regions of England with restrictions on surgery for overweight patients, with people in more deprived areas worst affected.

The research team from the University of Bristol found that patients needing surgery but who are unable to lose weight are being denied surgery that could ease pain and increase mobility. By looking at patients’ postcodes, the researchers could see that people from more deprived areas appeared more likely to be denied surgery.…

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