Research User Group newsletter 2019 RUG newsletter FINAL version 30.10.19 | Page 14

14 IMPLEMENTATION
WORK AND PAIN HAND OSTEOARTHRITIS
The I-SWAP project is the Implementation of
the Study of Work and Pain. I-SWAP is testing
results from the SWAP study, where employed
people with musculoskeletal conditions see a
First Contact Physiotherapist for advice about
work.  RUG member Christine Walker kindly volunteered
to be videoed for a series of educational films
about hand osteoarthritis. Made in conjunction
with EULAR (European League Against
Rheumatism) the videos aim to inform healthcare
professionals
and
patients
about
how
osteoarthritis affects hands and how exercises,
aids and adaptations can make life easier.
Christine commented: "Making the videos was an
opportunity for me to share with others
everything I have found out about living with
hand osteoarthritis.  The filming was essential to
assist others with hand osteoarthritis regain
control over everyday tasks.”
https://esor.eular.org/course/view.php?id=130
LINK member Patricia Callaghan is on the
Steering Group for the project. She said: "I was
invited to join the steering group and have
attended all meetings as a PPIE
representative. From the initial meeting I have
been made to feel welcome and very much an
integral part of the decision making process. 
Everyone in the group has been attentive
when listening to fellow members and
considerate of their knowledge and
opinions. It is a highly professional  group and
I am privileged to be a valued member whose
views and concerns are never disregarded. I
have found the project both interesting and
informative, adding to my understanding of
the ongoing effort to provide a more effective
service for musculoskeletal patients.  The
expanding role of the First Contact
Practitioner to include vocational advice and
to portray positive messages around work is
heartwarming as it can be a distressing time
for many people after a sickness absence. I
have felt that my input has been appreciated,
my comments noted and my attendance
acknowledged."
MENTAL HEALTH AND PERSISTENT PAIN
The IAU is working with Midlands Foundation Partnership NHS Trust, the Q Lab (Health
Foundation) and Mind – the mental health charity – to explore the experiences of people living
with both mental health problems and persistent back and neck pain, and how care can be
designed to best meet their health and wellbeing needs. The team have been working with patient
and public volunteers from both the Haywood Hospital and the LINK group at Keele to create an
educational animation and a repository of information to help patients to access local groups,
websites and organisations.