New research has revealed a fifth (22%) of people with osteoarthritis (OA) supplement their prescription pain medication with over the counter medicines in an attempt to control their OA pain.[i]a To raise awareness of osteoarthritis and the treatment options available, a pilot roadshow initiated and funded by Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited in partnership with the charity Arthritis Care, will take place in Norwich in June, and York and Preston in July. Nurses will provide private consultations for people with osteoarthritis and offer the latest information and educational leaflets on pain management strategies to help them make an informed choice about how to manage their constant pain.

A Painful Problem

Across the UK, 8.5million people have osteoarthritis (OA),[ii] a degenerative joint disease which leads to pain and stiffness. A recent survey of 202 people with OA, carried out by YouGov on behalf of Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited, also revealed that 84% of people with OA experience pain as a result of their condition most or all of the time,1b despite taking their current medication, and only one in ten (10%) rate their current OA pain management regime as 'very effective'.1c Additionally, around one third of patients with pain are unsure how to take their medicine properly.[iii]

For people with OA, the everyday activities many of us take for granted, such as walking, gardening and even sleeping, can be fraught with difficulty - with four out of ten (43%) stating their OA pain affects their ability to walk 'a large amount',1d while six out of ten (64%) said it affects their ability to sleep a 'fair amount (33%), a 'large amount' (22%) or that it makes sleep 'impossible' (5%).1e

The Osteoarthritis Pain Information Point

To help people with OA to better manage their pain and improve their overall quality of life, a mobile unit, the Osteoarthritis Pain Information Point, will be stationed at venues in Norwich in June, and Preston and York in July. People with OA will have the opportunity to have a private consultation with a nurse to discuss ways to better control their OA pain - including advice and information on lifestyle changes, treatment options and how to get the most out of their GP appointment.

Pharmacist Christine Clark says: "As pharmacists, we are well placed, not only to help identify patients who are topping up their prescription pain medication with over the counter medicines to help alleviate their OA pain, but also to ensure patients understand how best to use their pain medication. We play a crucial role in the patients overall care and can help patients determine if their current pain management plan is still the best option for them, or if they would benefit from an appointment with their GP to have their treatment plan reviewed."

Phil Baker, spokesperson for Arthritis Care, says: "The Osteoarthritis Pain Information Point is designed to bring pain management advice directly to those who need it the most. It's a relaxed and convenient opportunity for those with osteoarthritis to speak to a nurse and receive information tailored to their individual needs. It's so important that people living with osteoarthritis know they shouldn't ignore it in its early stages, nor do they have to just `put up with it'. Although there is no cure, there is always something positive people can do to lessen the struggle of daily life with constant pain - because there are a variety of pain management plans and techniques that can offer effective, continuous pain relief and a better quality of life."

Dr Chris Steele explains: "It's important that patients with osteoarthritis have the right support from the full healthcare professional team to manage their pain effectively. Directing them to the Osteoarthritis Pain Information Point, their local pharmacist or to their GP will ensure these patients get the best all-round access to advice on pain management, so they can make informed choices about their care and, ultimately, get the best result in terms of pain relief."

Notes

The Osteoarthritis Pain Information Point will be visiting Norwich, York and Preston.

Norwich

- The Forum Community Centre, Tuesday 14 - Thursday 16 June, 9-5pm

- Castle Mall Shopping Centre, Tuesday 14 - Sunday 19 June, 9-5.30pm Tues, Wed & Fri (Thurs, 9-7pm; Sat, 9-6pm; Sun, 10.30-4.30pm)

- Wyevale Garden Centre, Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 June, 9-6pm

York

- Wyevale Garden Centre, Tuesday 12 July - Sunday 17 July, 9-6pm (Sun, 10.30-4.30pm)

- Coppergate Shopping Centre, Monday 18 July - Saturday 23 July, 9-5.30pm

Preston

- St Georges Shopping Centre, Tuesday 12 July - Sunday 17 July, 9-5pm (Sun, 11-5pm)

- Fishergate Shopping Centre, Monday 18 July - Saturday 23 July (Mon & Tues 9-5.30pm, Wednesday 9 - 8pm, Thurs, Fri & Sat 9-6pm)

References

[i]. YouGov online survey data, January 2011: Participants with osteoarthritis taking prescription medication for their OA pain. Participants: 202. Data on file.

[ii]. Arthritis Care. OA nation: The most comprehensive UK report of people with osteoarthritis. London, UK: Arthritis Care; 2004.

[iii]. Survey of 4,438 people commissioned by Patients Association in conjunction with and supported by a grant from Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited: Aug 2011. Data on file.

Source:
Arthritis Care
Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited