Early arthritis virtual education programme

It is for patients with a recent diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. Common examples include rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. It will give you information about your condition, treatment and the rheumatology team. It will provide support in self-management.

Different members of our team deliver it:

• Consultants
• Specialist nurses
• Occupational therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Pharmacists

Each month, one of the team will give a short presentation to a group of patients (usually 8-12 people) online. A question and answer session will follow where you can ask about your rheumatology condition. Friends and family members are welcome to be with you when you attend.

We invite all patients who have recently been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. Patients who get education have better outcomes.

The sessions usually run on the 4^th Tuesday of the month at 2pm. They last about an hour.

This is a virtual programme which means it is delivered over the internet. You can join from anywhere so long as:

• You have a device with access to the internet
• A strong enough internet signal

We recommend you join from somewhere quiet and private.

You may not be familiar with the system we use (Microsoft Teams). Find out more about Teams and how to join online.

Depending on what device you are using, you may need to download the Microsoft Teams app onto your device. This will be explained during the sign-up process.

There are lots of ways you may benefit. This includes:

• You can meet other professionals in our team who can help you manage your arthritis
• You can learn more about your condition and its treatment
• You can meet other people with similar symptoms and conditions
• You will have extra contact with the team each month to raise concerns

You can keep attending for as long as you find the sessions useful. The programme runs for 5 sessions then repeats. You may find that 5 sessions is enough.

There is no need to speak or ask questions if you do not want to. It is likely that someone else will ask questions which are relevant to you.

The rules surrounding patient confidentiality will be explained at each session.

You do not have to attend. We are happy to provide you with education about your condition at your outpatient appointments. The virtual programme is extra to normal outpatient care.