[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”on” next_background_color=”#000000″ global_module=”322″][et_pb_fullwidth_menu global_parent=”322″ _builder_version=”3.0.106″ menu_id=”7″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” background_layout=”dark” module_class=”main-navigation” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#1d1d1d”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner locked=”off”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=”3.0.106″ title=”on” meta=”on” author=”on” date=”on” categories=”on” comments=”on” featured_image=”on” featured_placement=”above” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_layout=”light” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
People living with arthritis and musculoskeletal disease were amongst those identified as \u201cclinically extremely vulnerable\u201d to COVID-19 by the NHS England.\u00a0Research, commissioned by Versus Arthritis,<\/a> found the approach to shielding was unclear, causing confusion and uncertainty amongst patients.<\/p>\n A team at the Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis is now undertaking a qualitative research project called\u00a0Understanding personal shielding experiences: the voices of people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal disease<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0(‘COVID Voices’) to\u00a0explore the shielding experiences of people living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n This study is proposed by<\/em> patients, for<\/em> patients living with arthritis and musculoskeletal disease. It will be designed, conducted, analysed and disseminated by patients, with support from academics at the Centre.<\/p>\n The \u2018COVID Voices\u2019 team, Dr Charlotte Sharp (Rheumatologist and lead researcher), Joyce Fox and Lynn Laidlaw (patient researchers), was recently granted funding by Versus Arthritis<\/a>.<\/p>\n The project aims to capture patient \u201cstories\u201d to understand and explore the experiences of people with musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis and rare rheumatological diseases who shielded during the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, this project aims to:<\/p>\n COVID Voices is a mixed methods study, where we aim to generate qualitative data from interviews and focus groups. Participants will also be invited to submit creative materials (such as poems, writing, photographs, pictures) by email.<\/p>\n We welcome applications to be a member of our patient and public involvement group, from people living with musculoskeletal disease, arthritis or a rare rheumatological disease who shielded throughout the pandemic, sharing their insights and experiences to assist us conduct, analyse and disseminate (share) this research.<\/p>\n Because we are only funded for a short time-frame over 7 months, it is necessary for participants to be able to participate in online meetings, to comment on documents, and ideally to have some previous experience of patient and public involvement. Support will be available through these processes, but we need the team to have the skills to contribute from the beginning of their involvement. . We hope that the Patient Advisory Group (PAG) will assist us with<\/p>\n If you would like to apply to become involved, then please complete the online demographics form.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version=”3.17.6″ button_text=” Survey for Patient Advisory Group” button_url=”https:\/\/www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk\/jfe\/form\/SV_4J9oBHZUN03aHpI” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_layout=”light” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n We are collecting this information to try and ensure a diverse PAG. We also ask that you provide us with a brief statement outlining why you would like to be involved, your involvement experience and anything else that you feel is relevant or you would like us to know. We have funds to pay PAG members for their time and will follow National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) guidelines for public involvement<\/a> including a contribution towards data and other expenses.<\/p>\nOur team<\/h2>\n
Our aim<\/h2>\n
\n
Get involved<\/h2>\n
\n