Rheumatology outpatients at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have praised a “ground-breaking” virtual rehabilitation programme and have thanked the “dedicated” staff.
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The “excellent” Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) Programme is usually carried out in person but in response to the challenges of COVID-19, outpatients can now access a virtual rehabilitation scheme, one of the first of its kind in the country.
The latest feedback came ahead of World Axial Spondyloarthritis day on Saturday 8th May, which aims to raise awareness of the condition, a painful and progressive form of inflammatory arthritis, most commonly affecting the spine but which can also affect other joints, tendons and organs.
Patients at the RUH have been full of praise for the online course, which has physiotherapists on hand to take them through a range of exercises and answer any questions they may have.
One patient said: “The course was extremely informative. I have learned a lot and it has changed my outlook. All the staff were brilliant, friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable.”
Another said: “I thought the course was excellent and the staff are clearly dedicated.”
A third said: “I didn’t start the course in a good place and my expectations were low. I was proved completely wrong – I’m now in a much better place and feel more positive and energised. I would definitely recommend it.”
Georgia Smyth, Team Leader for AxSpA, said: “The feedback we’ve had from patients about the virtual course has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The aim of the course is to provide patients with education and self-management strategies to empower them to feel in control of their condition.
“Each day has a varied mix of sessions, including live educational talks, exercise and stretching sessions. There is input from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, specialist nurses, a podiatrist and a psychologist.
“This has been a real team effort and we’re delighted that the course has been so well received by patients and is having such a positive impact on their condition.”
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been more focus on the importance of remote management and self-monitoring.
The RUH has been working with the Department for Health and Department of Computer Science at The University of Bath on Project Nightingale, a study that uses a smartphone app to allow people with AxSpA to track their daily symptoms and behaviour.
This has allowed people with AxSpA to gain a better understanding of their condition, while also providing key data for research, providing a unique, new understanding of AxSpA and patients’ daily experiences.
Rosie Barnett, PhD Student and Researcher working on Project Nightingale, said: “Project Nightingale is allowing us to capture subtle changes in disease experience, not currently considered in clinical practice.
“We hope that in future, this research will help optimise and personalise treatment for AxSpA, to improve quality of life for patients.
“Some of our participants have said that the app has helped them better understand their condition and encouraged them to implement lifestyle changes to improve their symptoms.
“We are excited about the future of this work and the impact it may have on the AxSpA community.”
