LAUSR

An important but insufficient aspect of care in people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) is empowering patients to acquire good understanding of their disease and building their ability to deal effectively with the practical, physical and psychological impacts of it. The ability to self-manage in inflammatory arthritis (IA), with the right support (including from patient organisations), represents an essential component of care that goes beyond drug therapy and supports the patient in managing these impacts. In July 2021, EULAR Taskforce published Recommendations for Self-Management strategies in patients with Inflammatory Arthritis. Co-Convenors of the Taskforce were Ailsa Bosworth, NRAS and Elena Nikiphorou, King’s College Hospital. NICE quality standards also relate to provision of education and self-management resources. In September 2021, NRAS launched their unique e-learning programme SMILE-RA (self-management individualised learning environment). After launch, the first goal was to get a sufficient body of people using the programme in order to determine whether our key aims for each of the modules were being met. The first survey of participants took place in late summer 2022. A survey with 21 questions was developed using Sogolytics on subjects including: navigation and ease of use, what people had learnt/gained from each module. The survey was emailed on 11 Jul, 2022 to 913 people who had registered for SMILE-RA. A follow up reminder was sent on 18th of July 2022. The survey closed on 15th of August 2022. 132 responses were received representing a response rate of 14% • Majority of respondents heard about SMILE through NRAS, only 10% through their rheumatology team. • Nearly 80% think length of the modules is just right • 86% think that the links to other resources, whether NRAS or external, are extremely (majority) or quite clear and helpful • 68% had increased their knowledge of their disease • 72% had increased their understanding of the importance of self-management • 62% had increased their knowledge of medicines used in the treatment of RA • 84% would recommend SMILE to another person. These initial results from the first survey of users indicate a very high proportion of people are achieving the learning objectives of each module and are improving their understanding of their disease and how to self-manage their condition better. NRAS will build on this feedback and these results to target resources where they are most needed. These results are particularly interesting and important in the light of the move to put stable patients onto patient-initiated follow up pathways where consultations with their team are set for an interval of up to 2 years. Building patients’ knowledge of their disease, how to manage symptoms and their confidence to self-manage between appointments will improve health outcomes. Disclosure A. Bosworth: None. C. Jacklin: None.