The Simple Tasks campaign - get involved!

About Simple Tasks A campaign designed to show policymakers, commissioners, professional groups and the public about the value of rheumatology. Simple Tasks aims to: Raise the profile of rheumatology (scale and impact in the UK) Increase understanding of the work of rheumatologists and allied health professionals Emphasise the ‘window of opportunity’ for preventing pain and disability

Simple Tasks key messages Rheumatic conditions often strike people in the prime of life and can be crippling and life-changing. Rheumatologists and the rheumatology MDT are devoted to effectively diagnosing, managing, and treating these diseases to help patients avoid serious co-morbidities, disability, and even death. –Just as an oncologist treats cancer and a cardiologist cares for the heart, rheumatologists are the medical specialists that diagnose and treat rheumatic conditions. The first weeks and months following the onset of rheumatic symptoms are known as the “window of opportunity,” and it is crucial that patients get appropriate treatment in that time period to avoid long-term complications. (Recognise, Refer, Relieve)

Simple Tasks target audiences and the ‘ask’ Policymakers and commissioners –Increase priority of rheumatology in health policy as a means to reduce long term health impacts and disability GPs/referring doctors –Recognise the signs and refer early. Work with your rheumatology colleagues – not just as a doctor of last resort! Patients groups/the wider public –Don’t suffer with joint pain – see a GP promptly and request referral to a rheumatologist.

Simple Tasks concept This bent fork is a reminder of the simple tasks we do each day that can become impossible if you have a rheumatic condition.

The Simple Tasks campaign is national Website: Patient organisation partners: NRAS, NASS, Arthritis Care Campaign supporters: PMRGCAuk RSI Action ARUK Vasculitis UK Scottish Society for Rheumatology British Association and College of Occupational Therapists British Pain Society Central campaign activities for BSR: - Refreshing web content and social media engagement throughout the campaign lifetime - Providing continued support for campaign supporters and advocates to use opportunities to spread the campaign locally

The Simple Tasks campaign is local Social media –#SimpleTasksUK –Facebook.com/rheumUK Blogs and profiles –Spotlight on campaign supporters around the country Documenting your participation – show us how you have spread the campaign! –Photos- video clips - articles

The Simple Tasks campaign is for everyone How can you help spread the messages of the Simple Tasks campaign? Individually, pledge three campaign actions that you will take away from today.

Contacts Nona Ahamat, British Society for Rheumatology Head of Policy #SimpleTasksUK