Page 70 - Retail Pharmacy Magazine October 2020

68 HEALTH BONES AND JOINTS FROM PAGE 66 “This is especially the case for those who are immunocompromised due to rheumatoid arthritis and are trying to avoid doctors’ waiting rooms with other people, where they might be exposed to the coronavirus,” she said. “There have been some issues, though, such as the prescription of certain drugs requiring an assessment by a rheumatologist every six months. “Generally, though, the changes in consultation modus operandi that have occurred in a short space of time through the use of telehealth has made it far more acceptable, in that it’s removed the barrier of unfamiliarity.” Pharmacist input on the ground Pharmacists can do so much to encourage people with arthritis in terms of exercise and diet, Ms Marine says. “Just take osteoarthritis as one example – they can direct patients with the condition to Arthritis Australia’s website that contains a lot of information and resources to manage the condition,” she said. “We work with a number of organisations in states and territories and run a range of various programs and education seminars, including self-management education sessions, physical activity programs, and hydrotherapy. “They can also highlight that hydrotherapy is very helpful for people who haven’t been very active and who have sore joints. They can encourage them to try out the therapy and experience how the warm water helps their joints and relieves pressure to enable exercise and workouts to take place with less pain than other exercise regimes. Strength and balance classes are also recommended.” People seeking access to these programs can call Arthritis Australia’s information line on 1800 011 041. Also of great help to RA sufferers is establishment of a patient-support MyRA website myra.org.au by Arthritis Australia in partnership with the Australian Rheumatology Association. The website provides “information indexed to a patient’s point in the disease and the drug support they need at that point” because with early diagnosis and the right treatment, most people with RA can lead full and active lives, Ms Marine says. “It’s a world-first, inclusive and trustworthy website designed to accommodate people right along the journey of living with rheumatoid arthritis, in that it provides customised information to help patients become proactive participants in their management and journey with the disease,” she said. The development of the website, based on a whole-of-health-sector approach including people living with RA, clinicians, health workers, companies and affiliated state and territory arthritis organisations, as well as support from multiple countries, was funded from educational grants from sponsors. Ms Marine points to other programs that pharmaceutical companies run, but which are usually linked to drugs associated with the company. “The MyRA website isn’t associated with any drug,” she said. “Rather it caters to the fact that medication will probably change over time, which can be a tricky business, and which requires independent information.” Arthritis Australia CEO Andrew Mills says that with some RA patients just beginning to contend with the disease and others having lived with it for many years, it became clear through feedback that what was required was a support website designed to meet each patient at an individual level. The MyRA site offers relevant, tailored and evidence-based information on RA, keeping in mind that many people with the condition haven’t had access to patient support programs. The site links through to the national Arthritis Infoline and state and territory arthritis organisations, to provide a holistic, patient-support system. It covers topics such as symptoms, risks, treatment options, diet, exercise, day- to-day tips, support services and how to manage pain, mental health and fatigue. It also looks at how to build good relationships with healthcare teams and provides updates about Covid-19. The website also uses algorithms to get to know participants over time, routinely checking in with how they’re feeling. Rheumatologist Professor Susanna Proudman says the holistic approach is a game-changer for people with RA. “Pharmacists can do so much to encourage people with arthritis in terms of exercise and diet.” RETAIL PHARMACY • OCT 2020