The NHS uses computer systems to record information about patients' health. This helps doctors and nurses understand how patients' conditions are affecting their lives. Healthcare organisations also use collections of patients' health records to improve on services they provide.

A previous project resulted in the MPFT Rheumatology Department developing a computer system called the "MPFT Portals". Patients with inflammatory arthritis use it to record information about their health. This information is then used by nurses and doctors to help plan treatment. So far, it has been used by several thousand people with inflammatory arthritis.

This project will use the information collected by the MPFT Portals to understand how our local NHS service can be improved, by answering three research questions:

  1. How do people with rheumatoid arthritis assess their arthritis activity, compared to doctors and nurses?
  2. What is the relationship between the activity of a person's rheumatoid arthritis and their pain levels?
  3. Why are strong pain medicines prescribed more often to people with inflammatory arthritis that are older, female, or live in deprived areas?

This research will take place over 12 months. To help researchers ensure they are asking the right questions and in the right way, we are asking members of the public with lived experience of rheumatoid arthritis to volunteer to advise on these three questions.

Once we have the results, you will help us consider what the research findings mean to patients, the best ways to share the study findings, and how they can be used to improve patient care.

You will be supported by the MPFT Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement staff, who will attend all meetings with you and can liaise with the research team on your behalf. Your time will be reimbursed and travel expenses will also be provided.

The first meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 17 April 2024, 10:00am to 12:00pm at:

Haywood Community Hospital,
High Lane,
Burslem,
Stoke-On-Trent,
ST6 7AG

The Study Lead is Dr Ian Scott, Reader in Rheumatology and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist. Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis (Keele University) and Department of Rheumatology (MPFT).

If you have any more queries please contact the MPFT PPIE Research Team by emailing PPIE-R@mpft.nhs.uk


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