Arthritis Action Plan
X. Successful Outcomes
The Arthritis Coalition has identified the milestones they will use to measure the plan's success such as the fulfillment of The New York State Arthritis Plan goals and objectives. In order to achieve these visions of success, there are many considerations to take into account including continued federal funding of NYS Arthritis Program and, at increasingly higher levels, and ongoing financial support for arthritis education programs.
Below are some identified visions of success.
People with Arthritis Will:
- Practice self-management in greater numbers.
- Enroll in increasing numbers in physical activity programs.
- Contact the Arthritis Foundation for assistance in numbers that double yearly through 2008.
- Participate in programs such as the Arthritis Self Help Course (ASHC), People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE), Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program, etc.
- Have information on how to access services for care and support.
- Have access to actual programs to help them manage their arthritis.
The General Public Will:
- Enjoy increased awareness about arthritis.
- Understand the serious implications of arthritis for themselves and their loved ones.
- Be well informed on the full body of knowledge concerning arthritis and related diseases.
Medical Practice and Research Will:
- Support research leading to improved prevention strategies.
- Encourage physicians to tell their patients "... there are many things you can doabout your arthritis."
The Health Care System Will:
- Improve diagnoses and treatment for these diseases.
- Provide access to rheumatologists.
- Encourage people to seek early diagnosis for their condition.
A high measure of success will be when persons diagnosed with arthritis join with other citizens to value and celebrate fitness and the very real benefits that certain physical activities produce for everyone.
