Arthritis consumers walk the talk

On October 17-18, 2008 the arthritis research community gathered in Toronto for the Canadian Arthritis Network’s Annual Scientific Conference, Moving Forward Together. As in previous years, arthritis consumers played major roles and were integral to the success of the conference. We chaired symposiums and presented on topics where we have been actively involved over the past number of years.

Each symposium looked at issues from the perspective of basic science, clinician, trainee, industry, and the consumer/patient. The variety of topics discussed was significant and included: Pain Research, Moving from Pediatric to Adult Care, Models of Care for Arthritis Treatments, The Right Drug for the Right People at the Right Time, and Translational Research Approaches.

The Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) plays an integral role in setting the conference agenda. This year consumers focused on presenting on their unique involvement and experience in the arthritis community. CAPA was well represented. Laurie Proulx discussed the “Universal Consumer Experience: Pain”, while Linsay Junkin highlighted the issues related to “Stepping into the Next Phase of Care” when she had to move from the nurturing world of Sickkids Hospital into the adult world of arthritis care. Colleen Maloney gave an overview of the consumer partnership with The Arthritis Society, BC & Yukon Division and the provincial Ministry of Health in the development of the BC Arthritis and Osteoporosis Service Framework; and Colleen Murray focused on “Getting Through the Maze of Arthritis” which reflected on issues related to navigating a complex health care system. Linda Wilhelm highlighted work that patients/consumers have been involved in with Health Canada, reforming drug regulations that have not been updated since the 1960s. One of the more unusual presentations at the conference was John Coderre’s MSK shoulder examination, a demonstration he regularly performs for health care professionals as part of his consumer involvement in the Patient Partners in Arthritis Program. Following that presentation, Scientific Director, Monique Gignac, suggested that the only thing missing was the appropriate “strip tease” music to enhance the demonstration.

The conference was, as in past years, jam-packed. It culminated in a gala dinner on Saturday evening with a comical and inspiring presentation by Keynote Speaker, Dr. Alex Jadad, from the Centre for Global eHealth Innovation. Dr. Jadad focused on the Internet and its myriad of uses. I think we all would agree with Dr. Jadad that the Internet has transformed our lives in ways we could never have imagined just ten years ago.

Linda Wilhelm and Delia Cooper co-chair the Consumer Advisory Board of the Canadian Arthritis Network. Both are CAPA members.