Leading arthritis charity calls for personalised care plans for people with musculoskeletal conditions

People with musculoskeletal health conditions would be empowered if they had a care plan designed to support them in self-managing their condition and wellbeing, says a new report from Arthritis Research UK.
About 20% of people in the UK go to the doctor about a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis every year. But only 12% of people with these conditions have a care plan to support them.
A care plan is a partnership between a patient and their GP that gives people a sense of control over their own health and wellbeing. It can enable people to self-manage their condition and identify actions they can take to improve their health and wellbeing.
The NHS has committed to offering everybody living with a long-term condition a personalised care plan by 2015. Arthritis Research UK argues that more people with musculoskeletal conditions could benefit and calls for systems designed to deliver care planning to include those with musculoskeletal conditions.
“We want to ensure that GPs are promoting the benefits of good musculoskeletal health during care planning, providing a platform to empower and support patients in making lifestyle changes that will improve their health,” explains Dr Liam O’Toole, chief executive officer from Arthritis Research UK. “Collaborative discussions can help in identifying personalised approaches, such as appropriate exercise or progressive weight loss, which can relieve symptoms.”

Image credit: Vic

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