256. Assessing the Awareness of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on the Occurrence of Adverse Drug Reactions Caused by Methotrexate

Background: Many people living with Inflammatory Arthritis at some point, will experience problems with their feet, which can vary dramatically, including musculoskeletal symptoms, stiffness, swelling and disfigurement of the foot shape; skin and nail problems; and tissue viability, circulation and nerve problems in lower limbs. Patients can feel overwhelmed by their Inflammatory Arthritis, but helping them to develop their skills and knowledge to best look after themselves and self-manage, can provide excellent positive outcomes in their care. Despite advances in treatment many people still struggle to maintain good foot health and access information on foot health. The podiatry team at the Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust have responded to this need and run regular foot health sessions for their patients designed to help people improve their quality of life by informing them and developing their ability to look after their feet. The sessions are held during typical working hours and are available to people under the care of the team; as such there are those who are unable to attend, yet require the support of the sessions. Methods: So as to ensure more people can access this information NRAS joined with this team to produce an online resource by filming the delivery of the sessions. People living with RA were invited to attend and be filmed interacting during the delivery of the programme. The sessions cover the following topics: Understanding the foot; Self Awareness—Prevention: Identifying changes and the signs of infec- tion; Medication—Understanding medication, its side effects and the impact it may have on the foot Joint Protection: Footwear, foot orthoses and exercise; What to avoid and the importance of regular cleaning and checks; How to access local services and help, and other sources of information and support. Results: People can now observe the filmed sessions via the online video and listen to the attendees’ interaction with the health care professionals hence learning from the frequently asked questions and concerns that people with inflammatory arthritis have regarding their foot health as well as the Background: MTX is a first line disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug used in the management of RA. It offers efficacy, low cost and an acceptable side effect profile. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, experience and perception of MTX adverse effects in a Maltese population sample of RA patients. Methods: Patients were eligible for inclusion in the study if they were over 18 years of age, suffering from RA, and for which they were prescribed MTX. A psychometrically evaluated questionnaire was divided into 4 main sections (A to D) was compiled in English and Maltese. The questionnaire was validated by an expert panel. survey of doctors undertaken to assess their confidence in MSK examination. Findings compared with the same study done 2011 in the clerking process and of a for junior determine any in their Demographics of cohorts similar 2011 patients examination. Four prolonged hospital stay compared with three MSK the delay in two patients vertebral fractures. junior confidence in undertaking MSK examination 2011 ( n ¼ with 2013 ( n ¼ two and respectively fully 4 both