JointHealth
français
 
JointHealth™ express   September 7, 2011


Dear Elected Official,

As part of national arthritis month in Canada this September, the National Arthritis Awareness Program (NAAP) co-leaders, the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC) and Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE), are pleased to announce the launch of ArthritisID and ArthritisID PRO.

ArthritisID and ArthritisID PRO are the most comprehensive, free arthritis applications available to healthcare professionals and consumers on the iTunes app store today.

During its first two years, the NAAP has grown to become Canada’s leading source for healthcare professionals and consumers for trusted, timely arthritis information through exciting new communication channels. This demand for information parallels the ongoing need for arthritis research in Canada. Approximately 4.5 million Canadians currently live with one of more than 100 types of arthritis. In less than 20 years, the number will be 7 million. Today, arthritis represents one in ten doctor visits and one in 16 hospitalizations. However, it receives only three per cent of the research dollars in Canada. At the same time, the healthcare professional/arthritis patient relationship is undergoing transformation. Patients have become empowered thanks to the Internet yet HCPs still do not receive adequate training/tools about arthritis diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

The development of the ArthritisID and ArthritisID PRO apps fills this patient/HCP gap and solidifies ACE and ARC’s position as leaders in communicating research breakthroughs and arthritis news to scientific audiences, to people with arthritis and the public. From educational lectures and public forums to webcasts, YouTube videos, digital “games” and now Smartphone apps, ACE and ARC remain committed to delivering information to patients and the public in the manner they most want.

ArthritisID PRO extends the reach of NAAP's information and tools from the desktop to the mobile devices that healthcare professionals are already using in a variety of clinical settings. Our HCP audience will now have access to NAAP’s comprehensive arthritis information, wherever and whenever they need it. ArthritisID PRO is also the only mobile arthritis application to include Continuing Medical Education activity accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada providing Mainpro® M2 Credits.

A key element in the NAAP is also to define new ways to tell the arthritis story to consumers. ArthritisID features the most current, evidence-based arthritis information to help consumers detect, treat and manage arthritis. Consumers will also find useful sections about tips for speaking to their doctor or pharmacist about arthritis and joint pain and about arthritis prevention.

Together, the ArthritisID and ArthritisID PRO apps provide this arthritis information in a convenient mobile format that can be accessed on demand on the iPhone™ and iPod touch®, in English and French, including:
  • Interactive arthritis screening tool and questionnaire to determine indications of a type of arthritis
  • Current “best practice” guidelines for detecting, diagnosing and managing arthritis
  • Five instructional arthritis joint exam videos presented by North America’s leading rheumatologists—each video will play without requiring an Internet connection
  • Self-care information for patients to better manage their arthritis, including exercise, prevention, diet and nutrition
  • Unlimited free access to all features—there are no subscription fees or hidden costs.
September promises to be a transformative month for arthritis in Canada. The NAAP and its co-leaders, ARC and ACE, are excited to be key players this year helping elevate awareness of arthritis and the need to support Canada’s world leading arthritis research efforts.

To learn more about the NAAP and its co-leaders, please visit www.arthritisiscured.org.

Share our arthritis apps
Tell people about the apps!

Here are easy-to-remember short URL's to help people find the app:
ArthritisIDPro
We are counting on your support.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Koehn
President
Arthritis Consumer Experts
Dr. John Esdaile
Scientific Director
Arthritis Research Centre of Canada