Excellence in Communications via Meetings or Congresses

Summary of work

We developed and executed an accredited series of 5 half-day UK meetings with leading experts in axial SpA targeted at rheumatologists and radiologists. A strong focus was placed on promoting collaborative working relationships; delegates were invited to bring along a work partner. The initiative reached 120 delegates from different UK locations while providing an intimate, hands-on learning experience. Axial SpA is a painful and progressive type of inflammatory arthritis with high burden of disease. Unnecessary delays to referral and diagnosis (~7 years), due partly to sub-optimal use of recommended modern diagnostic techniques, and inadequate treatment causes continuous pain, stiffness and fatigue, reduced quality of life and socioeconomic consequences. In patients where X-ray is inconclusive, MRI is a useful tool to help identify non-radiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA). However, use of and the knowledge required to interpret MRI is limited. Roadshows were designed to raise awareness of the latest classification criteria and increase diagnoses of axial SpA through better use of MRI. A balanced mix of rheumatologists and radiologists (41.5 per cent and 56.5 per cent) attended the meeting. 86% of delegates agreed they are now likely to have better working relationships, and 94 per cent agreed they will recommend MRI as a diagnostic tool to colleagues.

Judges comments

This really was a good, interactive workshop. Whilst it’s perhaps not as bold as some other entries it is nevertheless a great example of work that delivered significant outcomes from a single meeting series and is changing clinical practice.