This programme has been developed by the OsteoArthritis Pain Management Group (OAPM) in association with Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited. The OAPM comprises specialists in arthritis from a range of disciplines:

• Dr Graham Archard (Chair of OAPM group), Vice Chair, Royal College of General Practitioners, Dorset.
• Professor Michael Doherty, Consultant Rheumatologist, City Hospital, Nottingham.
• Dr Gordon Campbell, Consultant Geriatrician, Addenbrookes’ Hospital, Cambridge.
• Dr John Dickson, Community Specialist in Rheumatology, North Yorkshire.
• Ms Nina Fry, Training Service Manager, Arthritis Care, South West England, Expert Patient.
• Mr Ian Jackson, Community Pharmacist, Derby.
• Mrs Elaine Kearney, Rheumatology Liaison Nurse, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow.
• Dr Garth Logan, President of the Primary Care Rheumatology Society and advisor to Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), The Health Centre, Lisburn, Northern Ireland.
  

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of disability in the UK. Its impact both on sufferers – in terms of compromised quality of life – and on the economy – in terms of the burden of healthcare costs and loss of working days to disability – is considerable. Early diagnosis of the condition and effective management of joint pain contribute directly to maintaining patient mobility and independence, and to slowing disease progression. At a time when the therapeutic options available for treating pain are narrowing, it has never been more important for general practitioners to be well-versed in the condition and the latest options for its management, and to feel equipped to work with their patients to ensure optimal outcomes.

The objective of this programme is to provide a comprehensive information resource that may be used as a reference and revision tool to assist you in identifying osteoarthritis in your patients as early as possible. It also aims to help clarify the best practice approach to pain management, within the context of recent product withdrawals. We hope you will find the programme helpful and interesting.

Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited is a company registered in England & Wales with company number 03690299
Service Provider: www.jointeducation.co.uk is provided by Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited
Email address of service provider: enquries@napp.co.uk
Registered Office: Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0GW, tel: +44 (0) 1223 424 444, fax: +44 (0) 1223 424441, www.napp.co.uk
VAT Number 197026251