Abstract

My talk will look in detail at how patient organisations can play a role in preventing co-morbidities. NRAS is currently engaged in two major projects which are both directly concerned with the prevention of co-morbidities. During RA Awareness Week in the UK, 19–26 June, NRAS will launch “Love your Heart” an on-line, interactive video programme to educate people with RA about their increased risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. This programme explains in simple terms why people with RA are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The programme provides the opportunity to appraise individual risk factors, complete a QRISK2 assessment with their GP and provides a cognitive-behavioural framework to empower people to change their behaviours and achieve a healthier lifestyle, thereby reducing risk of heart disease. Baseline and 6 months evaluations are built into the programme. It has been developed with input from a consultant rheumatologist, GP, and other health experts as well as patients. If time permits I will also a describe a research study we are undertaking with 3 hospitals in the UK whereby we will randomly assign newly diagnosed patients to receive a targeted support fprogramme rom NRAS or be in a control group which does not receive this support for a period of 6 months. Our aim is to show that the group receiving the targetted support has less anxiety and depression, although other outcomes will also be measured.