... outcomes, a poorer quality of life, and a substantial cost to the NHS. It is estimated that in a range of long term conditions depression can increase healthcare costs by 33% to 169%. Depression can also increase the risk of death for some people with some long term conditions. This document has been produced by a coalition of charities made up of Arthritis Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Depression Alliance, Diabetes UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Its purpose is to call for better detection, management and care of depression amongst this group of people. It calls for every person with a long term condition to be treated for both their physical and psychological symptoms in equal measure, recognising the detrimental impact depression can have
Depression can affect people with a range of long term conditions, including musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. People with long term conditions are two or three times more likely to experience depression and estimates suggest that 20% of people with long term conditions have depression. The prognosis for people with long term conditions is poorer care, poorer outcomes, a poorer quality of life, and a substantial cost to the NHS. It is estimated that in a range of long term conditions depression can increase healthcare costs by 33% to 169%. Depression can also increase the risk of death for some people with some long term conditions. This document has been produced by a coalition of charities made up of Arthritis Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Depression Alliance, Diabetes UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Its purpose is to call for better detection, management and care of depression amongst this group of people. It calls for every person with a long term condition to be treated for both their physical and psychological symptoms in equal measure, recognising the detrimental impact depression can have on health outcomes and quality of life. Recommendations are provided for national policy makers and commissioners and service providers.
Subject terms:
long term conditions, mental health care, arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, health care, heart diseases;
British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(3), March 2011, pp.137-142.
Publisher:
Sage
This study examined the experiences of mindfulness training for five adults living with rheumatic disease. Specifically it investigated their experiences in terms of coping with pain and the impact on their psychological well being. Focus group data were gathered from participants aged between 46 and 69 years diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. All
This study examined the experiences of mindfulness training for five adults living with rheumatic disease. Specifically it investigated their experiences in terms of coping with pain and the impact on their psychological well being. Focus group data were gathered from participants aged between 46 and 69 years diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. All participants had completed an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme 6 months prior to the study. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed two clinically relevant themes: responding to pain and psychological wellbeing. The participants felt that mindfulness was helpful in relation to pain, activity tolerance and psychological distress. Participants also felt that it had the potential to be integrated into daily life so that the benefits can be maintained over time. A number of limitations to the study are discussed; most notably the use of focus groups. However the authors conclude that mindfulness has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals living with rheumatic disease.
Subject terms:
mental health, pain, psychotherapy, quality of life, user views, behaviour modification, arthritis, mindfulness;
This report examines the impact aids and adaptations in the home can have on the quality of life of people with arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions and the barriers that can prevent people from accessing and using them. It draws on qualitative and quantitative research carried out by Versus Arthritis, and includes the direct experiences of people with arthritis, in their own words. the independence of people with arthritis and related conditions. However, it also highlights barriers that make accessing these vital elements of support difficult. It found that although many people with arthritis are eligible to have aids and adaptations provided free of charge by their local authorities, few people access this support. The report sets out key findings and six recommendations for local
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report examines the impact aids and adaptations in the home can have on the quality of life of people with arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions and the barriers that can prevent people from accessing and using them. It draws on qualitative and quantitative research carried out by Versus Arthritis, and includes the direct experiences of people with arthritis, in their own words. It also provides an analysis of the policy landscape and outlines local authorities' legal duties and provisions. This includes responsibilities under The Care Act and the duty to meet the housing needs of people with a disability, including the provision of Disabled Facilities Grant. The report shows the positive impact home aids and adaptations can have on the quality of life and maintaining the independence of people with arthritis and related conditions. However, it also highlights barriers that make accessing these vital elements of support difficult. It found that although many people with arthritis are eligible to have aids and adaptations provided free of charge by their local authorities, few people access this support. The report sets out key findings and six recommendations for local and national government to improve the current system for providing aids and adaptations.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
local authorities, independence, quality of life, arthritis, unmet need, access to services, home adaptations, housing, eligibility criteria, assistive technology, home improvements;