It’s no secret that the NHS is on its knees and struggling to cope with many pressures, some linked to the pandemic such as backlogs, some to other issues such as workforce shortages and inability to discharge patients from hospital. As a consequence, there are changes happening to delivery of outpatient care and it’s essential that those living with a long-term condition learn to manage their disease/s as well as possible and make the most of the very small amount of time in a year that might be spent with a rheumatology team.
The unique NRAS e-learning programme SMILE-RA provides access to evidence-based information on different aspects of living with RA, presented in an engaging video format by health professionals and others with lived experience. It’s easy to use and you select whichever module is of interest at any particular time. The latest module just launched is on the important topic of how to get the best from your consultation. This is very timely given the focus on transformation of outpatient care, including remote consultations via telephone and/or video, filling in questionnaires about how you are doing via smartphone apps and accessing your team via an app, as well as introduction of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU). Many people may be completely unaware of PIFU and how this might affect them. All of these topics are covered in this new module and NRAS strongly recommends that you find out more by registering (free) at www.nras.org.uk/smile.
If you are a health professional and would like a supply of patient leaflets on SMILE to give to your patients, please email enquiries@nras.org.uk.