Excellence in Professional Education Programmes

Summary of work

Axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) is a form of chronic arthritis primarily affecting the spine. A lack of knowledge of axial SpA among HCPs as well as the multifaceted nature of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. In addition, lack of guidance from professional bodies was preventing optimal patient care.

Despite a lack of guidance at international and national levels, a Working Group of experts came to a consensus and developed a ‘Back in Focus’comprehensive management pathway for axial SpA. For the first time, guidance could be provided for HCPs across the whole axial SpA patient journey.

This pathway was brought to life by an accompanying website mirroring the pathway structure. Over 40 innovative tools were developed to provide practical support to implement the pathway.

In just six months the programme reached the target of over 500 rheumatology HCPs via a stand-alone meeting and website, with nearly 1 in 2 visitors to the website returning. Further reach was achieved through partnership with patient and professional societies who hosted materials on their websites. Confirmation that the programme is improving patient care has been validated by extensive feedback from HCPs confirming that clinical practice would change as a result. 

Judges' comments

A good, solid programme built on clearly identified needs with a meeting and materials of differing formats and encompassing differing learning styles that were built on existing resources, rather than developing everything from scratch. A clear pathway and approach – obviously successful with great feedback.