#ArthritisAtWork Twitter Chat a success!
Our Twitter Chat on World Arthritis was well-attended and we had some great discussions about #ArthritisAtWork with co-host Simon Stones and special guest, Creaky Joints. We had over 100 participants and over 500 tweets were sent. Learn more about the results on our website!
What have we been up to?
Support of new medication service for pregnant and breastfeeding women – We wrote a letter to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (SOGC) in support of a recently announced medication service for pregnant and breastfeeding women. We need to do better in supporting women taking medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding and hope that the SOGC continues to take a leadership role.
Clinical trials 101 – Interested in learning the basics about clinical trials? Look no further than this infographic developed by Clinical Trials Ontario! It provides an explanation of what clinical trials are, the different phases of drug development and how to determine if a clinical trial is credible.
CAPA project included in Book of Good Practices – We are proud to announce that our pregnancy and parenting with arthritis project has been included in the Patient-Focused Medicines Development (PFMD) Book of Good Practices. The Book contains a selection of innovative projects to provide inspiration and practical examples of patient engagement initiatives. Learn more about the project and other short listed projects by visiting the PFMD Synapse website!
The Seated View – Lene Anderson, is a well-known arthritis blogger, writer and person living with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Her blog ‘The Seated View‘ provides a wealth of information for people living with arthritis including her recent article about ‘Arthritis at Work: Two New Resources to Keep you Working‘. CAPA 2nd Vice-President, Laurie Proulx, is quoted in this article about her own workplace challenges and the inspiration for the CAPA workplace project and resources.
Get Involved!
Share your perspective about Patient Support Programs – The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance has launched a survey to seek patient opinions and preferences for patient support programs. The survey is open to anyone who was/is taking a biologic for and lives in Canada. People completing the survey will have their name entered in a draw for a $50 gift card to a retailer of their choice. Take the survey today!
Study on medication decisions for family planning & pregnancy – A team lead by Dr. Mary da Vera at the University of British Columbia is recruiting for an important study to understand medication decisions for family planning and pregnancy among women with Rheumatoid Arthritis (MOTHERS). You may qualify for the study if you are a woman between 18 – 50 years old with a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and live anywhere in Canada. Interviews can be done by phone and a $25 gift card will be provided for participating. Learn more by reading the study flyer on our website (c’est disponible en français aussi)!
Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Practice Guidelines – The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) is in the process of updating the treatment guidelines for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This update will include considerations of health equity, or factors that could cause unfair differences in how people with arthritis receive and access care. The team is looking to speak with people who self-identify as belonging to these groups: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Queer+ community, people with low income, newcomers to Canada. Participation will involve one-on-one or group discussions at a time that is convenient to you. Should you wish to participate or have any other further questions, please contact the study coordinator by e-mail or phone at 403-210-9305.
Stay Informed!
Health Canada MedEffect service – Health Canada (HC) is the national regulator of prescription medicines and devices and they share information about advisories and recalls using Medeffect. We regularly share Medeffect advisories of interest to people living with arthritis through our social media channels shortly after they are issued by HC. You can subscribe directly to Medeffect to stay informed about issues affecting your health.
CBC article about ‘Opioidphobia’ – We have been working to educate policymakers about the unintended consequences of the opioid crisis on people living with chronic pain. Our survey found that many people living with chronic pain experience stigma about taking opioids. Read this CBC article about ‘Opioidphobia’ which highlights some the issues experienced by people living with pain.
Website, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube – Our website, Facebook page, Twitter account and YouTube channel are updated regularly with new information. A number of CAPA resources are available in English, French, and Spanish. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to keep up to date on the latest arthritis and advocacy information!