To characterize and quantify both formal and informal social care in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders (RMDs) in two distinct regions of the United Kingdom, highlighting the economic burden of care.
Approach:
Population: Two groups of patients with RMDs were surveyed: one from Salford Royal Hospital and another from the Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR).
Survey Development: The survey was adapted from an existing social care interview survey and refined with input from a patient advisory group.
Key Findings:
Three in five patients received regular care, mostly unpaid from family or friends, indicating a significant reliance on informal support.
One in three individuals with RMDs required help with basic activities of daily living, such as washing and dressing.
Care patterns were consistent across rural (Norfolk) and urban (Salford) populations, suggesting that the need for care is widespread regardless of location.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the significant economic burden of both formal and informal care associated with RMDs, emphasizing the need for better recognition of informal caregiving.
Limitations:
The study may not capture all informal caregiving due to its private and unstructured nature.
Data collection was limited to two regions in the UK, which may not represent broader populations.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the importance of understanding the social care needs of individuals with RMDs to fully assess the disease burden.
