Research

The Primary Care Sciences Arthritis UK Primary Care Centre, in collaboration with staff from the School of Health and Rehabilitation, hosted a successful interactive workshop focusing on non-pharmacological management options for managing Polymyalgia Rheumatica. The study day was held in the Sustainability Hub, with 22 delegates attending from research, clinical, academic and lay adviser backgrounds. Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, GP and Rheumatology consultants travelled from the West Midlands to participate.

 

The event was organised by Professor Christian Mallen as part of his ARUK fellowship, investigating the management of Gout and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in primary care. The purpose of the day was to explore future research directions and the contribution of different disciplines to non-pharmacological options for treatment for PMR. There was a particular focus to understand the patient perspective of current management practices. Professor Mallen was supported by Dr Sam Hider, Anne O'Brien and Dr Linda Chesterton.

 

Christian spoke about the difficulties with diagnosing PMR, associated comorbidities and management options for GPs. Sam presented diagnosis and management from a Rheumatologist perspective and Anne spoke on the issues surrounding available research investigating non pharmacological interventions such as exercise, advice and education. Professors Elaine Hay and Krysia Dziedzic assisted in the panel discussions that took place and the day concluded with  a discussion on future research funding application possibilities which may focus on patient perspectives, their experience of PMR and its management.

 

The event was funded jointly by and the National Physiotherapy Research Network and ARUK.