FRI0615-HPR CAN DEDICATED COMMUNITY HEALTH HUBS IMPROVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN A MULTI-ETHNIC RHEUMATOLOGY PRACTICE?
Authors: J. Begum, M. K. Nisar
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2020)

Background: Self care is an important management strategy for people with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Focused education should enable people to manage their life with IA and optimise their health and well-being. Several studies have shown positive effects of dedicated health programs on a range of patient reported outcomes such as self-efficacy, pain, fatigue, quality of life and overall well-being. However these benefits are only achievable and long lasting if people are provided with professional support to stay motivated and make appropriate adjustments to obtain better health. Objectives: The objective of our intervention was to assess the outcomes of a dedicated health education program delivered in a diverse community setting represented by minorities with poor educational and socio-economic background. Methods: We partnered with our local authority to establish a dedicated rheumatology community health hub for our patients with long term rheumatic conditions. Both clinical and paramedical staff in rheumatology clinics advertised the service and those who consented were referred. They were offered a 1:1 assessment with a health and well-being practitioner who would refer onwards based on the needs of the patient. In this pilot study we analysed the outcomes achieved at one year. Results: 187 patients were referred to the service. 158 had IA and 29 had osteoporosis. 57 (30%) were White, 86 (46%) Asian, 26 (14%) Afro-Caribbean and 18 (10%) of other ethnicity. Mean age was 64 years (range 36-95). Interventions included weight management (10%), general health check (4%), dedicated exercise program (30%), physical activities (46%) and talking therapies (8%) and smoking cessation (2%). 100% responded to the contact and signed up for the intervention. 80% completed a minimum of 12 week intervention. 89% continued to attend physical activity at least once a week long term. Only five service users dropped out for varying reasons. Conclusion: Physical activity programs can be successful in a diverse community setting with patients from low socio-economic and educational classes. There is a need to engage these patients and offer professional support which can produce carry-over effects on physical outcomes and enhance patients’ long-term adherence to such programmes. Our study demonstrates that patient activation for self management and improved physical activity can be attained irrespective of patients’ backgrounds. Disclosure of Interests: Julie Begum: None declared, Muhammad Khurram Nisar Grant/research support from: Muhammad Nisar undertakes clinical trials and received support (including attendance at conferences, speaker fees and honoraria) from Roche, Chugai, MSD, Abbvie, Pfizer, BMS, Celgene, Novartis and UCB, Consultant of: Muhammad Nisar undertakes clinical trials and received support (including attendance at conferences, speaker fees and honoraria) from Roche, Chugai, MSD, Abbvie, Pfizer, BMS, Celgene, Novartis and UCB, Speakers bureau: Muhammad Nisar undertakes clinical trials and received support (including attendance at conferences, speaker fees and honoraria) from Roche, Chugai, MSD, Abbvie, Pfizer, BMS, Celgene, Novartis and UCB