Arthritis Research UK has launched a report exploring why it is important to consider musculoskeletal health when planning how the health system tackles multimorbidity.
Multimorbidity, which means living with two or more long-term conditions, is becoming increasingly common. The NHS’ Five Year Forward View and the General Practice Forward View both recognise that the healthcare system must adapt to meet the growing demands of multimorbidity. It must move away from a focus on single diseases to a system which holistically considers the needs of people with multiple long-term conditions. Good musculoskeletal health underpins living well and independently with multimorbidity, however, musculoskeletal conditions are too often overlooked. This report sets out why musculoskeletal conditions must be included in future plans to address multimorbidity and makes seven clear recommendations for change.
Musculoskeletal conditions affect around 10 million people across the UK, and are often found in people with other long-term conditions. The report reveals that among people over 45 years with a major long-term condition, more than 30% also have arthritis. By age 65, almost half of people with a heart, lung or mental health problem also have arthritis. Conversely, 80% of people with osteoarthritis have at least one other long-term condition such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease or depression.
It is essential to recognise the interaction between musculoskeletal conditions and other health problems. Any long-term condition is associated with a drop in quality of life, but when arthritis or back pain is part of multimorbidity, the drop is greater. The pain and functional limitations of arthritis make it harder to cope when living with other long-term conditions.
Dr Liam O’Toole, chief executive officer at Arthritis Research UK; comments: “It’s clear that good musculoskeletal health underpins people’s ability to live well and independently with multiple long-term conditions. During our research, people told us that having good musculoskeletal health helps them manage; they can open pill packets, change dressings, travel to doctors’ appointments and stay as active as possible. But the reverse is true if someone with long-term conditions also has arthritis.
As systems change, it’s vital that the needs of people with arthritis are considered. We must ensure that arthritis - whether it is present by itself or among other long-term conditions - does not limit people’s lives.”
The report highlights the extent of the challenge ahead. By 2018, it is expected that there will be 2.9 million people in the UK living with multimorbidity, a substantial increase from 1.9 million in 2008. Musculoskeletal conditions will be part of this trend, as their prevalence increases in an ageing population. In 2010, 4.7 million people were living with knee osteoarthritis in the UK, by 2035 this is likely to reach 8.3 million.
For the full report click here.
