OP0322 PARE GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN FOR DUTCH RMD-FRIENDLY MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Margot Feith, Nique Lopuhaä, Sija De Jong
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2019)

<h3>Background</h3> Following the decentralisation of healthcare in 2014, Dutch municipalities were assigned a key role in providing healthcare support to local residents. ReumaNederland used the 2018 council elections to start a campaign to raise awareness for RMD-friendly council policies. <h3>Objectives</h3> The campaign aimed to raise awareness for suitable RMD healthcare policies across municipalities. <h3>Methods</h3> Patient consultation – We asked people with RMD to complete an online survey about council policies. The survey asked whether, and how, these policies restricted them, in addition to what could be done to address and solve these restrictions. The questions focused on healthcare, support and the provision of medical aids. After identifying the three greatest challenges for residents, the Dutch Arthritis Society (DAS) focused on three main recommendations, which were sent via letter to local politicians. This letter included a clear call to action for better local arthritis care. Online tool - We also created an online tool that linked the letter to the email addresses of all local party leaders in the 380 Dutch municipalities. The online tool enabled local residents to simply forward the letter to the party leaders in their council. The tool also allowed residents to include their personal experiences. <h3>Results</h3> Patient consultation: More than 2,200 people with RMD completed the survey. The three greatest points of improvement included: Sports and leisure facilities for people with RMD – 80% of all respondents were interested in sport facilities that suit their needs. However, 75% were unsure if there were any available in their council. Better communication and information – 40% of all respondents indicated that it was unclear where and how they could apply for care with their council. Respondents also indicated that councils lacked expertise regarding the impact of RMD. A threshold–free and accessible RMD–friendly environment – Municipalities must consider RMD–friendly access to roads, public transport and public buildings. Online tool: A total of 10,000 emails were sent to party leaders, reaching over half of all municipalities. The majority of feedback from party leaders was positive. Some residents were invited to introduce themselves, attend a meeting or take a seat on a client advisory board. RMD-friendly policies are also now featured on the political agenda of many local councils. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This campaign has put RMD-friendly policies on the council agenda in many municipalities. Clearly, using the momentum of local political developments is an effective tool to create attention. It is also a way to build the network and voice of the movement. Following the campaign, it has become easier for us to speak to the councillors responsible for healthcare and to address the issues raised by people with RMD. For instance, in the autumn of 2018, local RMD patient associations met with the council for the first time. The online tool has allowed for nation-wide participation in this campaign. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None declared