Author: Sladjana Rumpl Tunjic
Beesley et al. (OP0102) presented the development and implementation of novel and innovative approaches for raising awareness of childhood arthritis. Raising awareness that children and young people get arthritis is a vital step in reducing delays to diagnosis and reducing the burdens of isolation, loneliness and stigma.
Clark (OP0333) presented the “Your SpAce” tool which helps and educates people living with axial SpA about their condition; shared self-management techniques to enable people to manage their symptoms; and reduce isolation felt by connecting them with other people with the condition.
Karakikla-Mitsakou et al. (OP0312) analysed and presented the most frequently consulted questions on the Lupus100 website to gauge patient concerns, pinpoint significant information needs, and identify any prevalent misconception that lupus patients have.
Bakker et al. (OP0205) explored and presented the experiences of (self-) employed people with RA or axSpA regarding work-related support from their rheumatologist, other healthcare professionals and employers.
Clausen et al. (POS0183) emphasized how important for patient organisations is to train and support patients involved in the preparation of medical guidelines.
Bosworth et al. (POS0076) pointed that many people diagnosed with RA fear that doing exercise will somehow damage their joints despite research showing that this is not the case and that in fact exercise is beneficial in inflammatory arthritis. Developing an online module together with experts in the field of physically activity and exercise, addressed and reduced the barriers to being active. Those barriers include physical limitations (pain, reduced mobility, fatigue), lack of confidence and knowledge, as well as fear of injury or making symptoms worse, a lack of professional input and accessible, affordable programmes/resources, and often inaccessible facilities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sladjana Rumpl Tunjic
Sladjana is a member of the PARE Committee and a member of different EULAR and PARE projects.
Sladjana has been volunteering for PARE for a years while volunteering for her national organization – Association Remisija in Croatia.
Sladjana has advocated for ensuring appropriate therapy for all RMDs patients and raising awareness of children and young people with RMDs.