NHFT tests new approach for living well with osteoarthritis
NHFT is helping to pioneer a new way of supporting older people with osteoarthritis which researchers hope could make it easier for them to live with the condition.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff. It's the most common type of arthritis in the UK and it affects half of adults aged 70 and over. The majority of people with osteoarthritis are also living with at least one other long-term
health condition - which can make it all the more complex to treat.
Now, a new study led by Cardiff University aims to test if personalised lifestyle and exercise plans are a more effective way of treating older people with osteoarthritis and one or more other health condition. Current NHS treatments can vary across the country and are not always tailored to the individual needs of patients.
NHFT is one of the trial sites for the study, with the Trust's Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy team and Intermediate Care team (which provides rapid treatment for vulnerable people, such as those at risk from falls) recruiting patients aged 65+ to take part.
Those who agree to participate are offered up to six consultations with trained health professionals to help them develop a personal lifestyle plan covering their health, medication, exercise and diet.
Patients are encouraged to take part with a friend, family member or carer who can support them, and they receive a book and digital resources for further help.
The Trust is well on the way towards recruiting all the candidates it needs for the study, which will continue until July 2026.
The results will then be gathered from around the country to inform the overall findings of the national research project.
Doreen Caesar, Advanced Specialist Physiotherapist at NHFT, is leading the study for the Trust.
She said: "Participating in this research is positive on a number of levels. Firstly, patients can access free community treatment that they wouldn't otherwise receive and could help them to live better with their condition.
"It also contributes towards improving the quality of NHS care overall, while our staff who are supporting the study get free training to broaden their knowledge and experience for the care they provide to others."