OP0218 PARE PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE THROUGH IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING COMORBIDITIES OF SPONDYLOARTHRITIS (SPA*) TO IMPROVE PATIENT OUTCOMES THROUGH PATIENT ORGANIZATION PARTNERSHIPS AND ALLIED HEALTHCARE OUTREACH
Authors: Wendy Gerhart, Gerald Major, Austin Gerhart, Marilyn Walsh
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2019)

<h3>Background</h3> Many patients are not aware of the common comorbidities they may experience. We need to understand if by educating patients and managing or preventing comorbidities, will patient outcomes be improved and the impact on healthcare system. <h3>Objectives</h3> To determine what type and number of comorbidities patients commonly experience in addition to their diagnosed SpA condition. This will help identify how collaboration with other patient organizations and allied healthcare professionals can better raise awareness, educate and support the community. It will convey the conditions, symptoms and importance of early diagnosis and treatment. This will reduce the impact on the Canadian healthcare system and improve patient outcomes <h3>Methods</h3> Canadian patients were surveyed from February through June 2018. Respondents were asked a variety of questions to gain insights on the comorbidities and how many they experience and live with in addition to their SpA diagnosis. <h3>Results</h3> The most common comorbidities respondents reported included: chronic pain (55%), mental health (depressions &amp; anxiety) (54%), gut (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis)(35%), eye inflammation (uveitis/iritis) (33%), sleep issues (30%) and chronic fatigue (26%). Interestingly, these results are different from other studies where osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease were most commonly experienced. In addition to the more prevalent comorbidities, a significant number of people experienced skin (psoriasis), fibromyalgia, hypertension and lung disease. There were 406 respondents who completed the survey. Only 3.7% reported to not have any comorbidities. 42.6% of patients were diagnosed with another condition in advance of being diagnosed with a SpA disease. There were 44.6% of respondents who had a healthcare professional other than their GP or Rheumatologist suggest they may have a SpA condition. Recommendation for further assessment was initiated by a physiotherapist (12%), a chiropractor 11%), ophthalmologist (7%) or massager therapist (5%). <h3>Conclusion</h3> A significant number of patients diagnosed with a SpA condition experience comorbidities and often have more than one condition. On average, people live with 4 different comorbidities. The survey results have confirmed the significance depression and anxiety impacts patients with SpA. Through partnerships with trusted patient organizations, we can provide resources to educate and support our SpA community on the comorbidities commonly experienced. This will empower patients to manage symptoms sooner, thus contributing to a quicker recovery, reduced damage or prevent the complication from occurring all together. Expanding outreach and collaborating with allied healthcare professionals through Canadian professional associations including family physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, ophthalmologists and massage therapists can further educate practicing healthcare professionals on SpA conditions and symptoms to recognize with patients contributing to prevention or earlier diagnosis and treatment intervention The CSA will form collaborative agreements by leveraging existing partnerships and creating new partnerships with Canadian organizations and professional associations to support and educate people with credible and valuable resources on the comorbidities identified through this survey with the intended purpose to treat earlier or prevent complications that adds unnecessary financial strain on the Canadian healthcare system. Together we are stronger. <h3>References</h3> [1] Molto, A., Nikiphorou, E. Comorbidities in Spondyloarthritis. Frontiers in Medicine. March 2018. Volume 5. Article 62 [2] Danve, A., Raychaudhuri, S. Comorbidities in Spondyloarthritis. Curr Treat Options in Rheum (2017) 3:63-74 <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> Wendy Gerhart Grant/research support from: The Canadian Spondylitis Association received funding from multiple pharmaceutical companies for the comorbidity awareness campaign., Employee of: I was employed by Janssen Canada until October 2016. I have been working with the Canadian Spondylitis Association since March 1, 2017. Janssen did not provide support for the awareness campaign., Gerald Major: None declared, Austin Gerhart: None declared, Marilyn Walsh: None declared