Arthritis Action Plan
XIV. Appendix D: Arthritis Foundation Needs Assessment
In order to develop a fuller understanding of the gaps facing persons with arthritis and related diseases in the state of New York, the Arthritis Program conducted a Needs Assessment with the five Arthritis Foundation (AF) chapters in the state in 2003. Below are the findings from this survey:
- Consumer Barriers: The five chapters stated that consumers reported a number of barriers. These included too few programs in specific regions of the state, insufficient time available to participate in AF programs, transportation difficulties to and from course locations, and the difficulty of successfully incorporating learned management skills and practices into every day life.
- Chapter Barriers: Chapters reported a number of barriers such as too few leaders and trainers in the field, not enough community partners, shortage of facilities where courses can be held (specific to Long Island), and a low volume of referrals from medical providers and allied health professionals. A corollary concern expressed by the chapters was the financial investment to pay for advertising as well as the time commitment to setup community education courses.
- Alliances: There is a need to identify alliances, including the New York State DOH and Office for the Aging to publicize the Arthritis Self-Help Course (ASHC) and other arthritis directed programs, disseminate relevant information, support advertising, and assist with compensation for course leaders.
- Prevention and Early Diagnosis: Physical activity should be promoted as a proven intervention for arthritis management; also earlier diagnosis and treatment of arthritis by physicians should be addressed.
- Physician Outreach and Mobilization: Rheumatologists and primary care physicians need to recognize the value of ASHC and the importance of physical activity and weight control as disease management strategies. Physician referral to the Arthritis Foundation programs should increase. Persuading the medical community to become more active partners is key.
- Information Campaign: Dissemination of educational materials through additional, existing health care venues such as the state chronic disease programs, county health departments, American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and other appropriate channels would be helpful.
