The development of a risk and symptom assessment tool is an exciting opportunity to reach consumers and businesses with a product that will capture attention and educate. Assess Your Joint Health is a simple, self-administered screening tool for individuals to help self-identify risk for, and symptoms of, arthritis. As the prevalence of chronic disease increases, effective intervention with chronic but manageable diseases is imperative, particularly for common conditions that, when underdiagnosed and undertreated, result in significant morbidity and costs. The leading cause of disability among U.S. adults is arthritis. Many forms of arthritis are manageable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, yet prevailing myths can result in delays in diagnosis and subsequent undertreatment. CDC found that 40% of persons with active symptoms had not seen a physician for diagnosis. Even among those who were diagnosed, most could not state their specific type of arthritis. This contributes to significant negative impacts of the disease, often including unnecessary symptoms and disability, and higher medical costs. Even among those aware that their joint pain is arthritis, significant numbers are unaware of resources to manage their condition. The new tool, simple and free, is used as an entrée into appropriate awareness, in-depth knowledge and behavior change programming. This presentation will describe the health promotion benefits of self-identification of risk for chronic diseases, review the tool, discuss dissemination strategies to promote its widespread use; and explore expanding partnerships in the public/private sectors for increased use of the tool.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the learner will be able to: 1. Describe how self-identification of risk for chronic disease promotes positive patient outcomes. 2. Discuss how population-based awareness tools can improve health system interventions.
Keywords: Health Assessment, Chronic Diseases
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Arthritis Foundation (a non-profit offering self-management strategies) will be referenced.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by the Arthritis Foundation.