Ep 34. GUIDELINES - Managing pain in IA with Ian Scott, Nick Shenker, Yeliz Prior and co-authors

In this episode of Rheumatology Roundtable, Ernest Choy is joined by members of the BSR Guideline Working Group to discuss the new BSR guideline on pain management in inflammatory arthritis. 

The panel explores why dedicated guidance is needed, key recommendations for assessing and managing pain, and the importance of distinguishing active disease from persistent pain. 

The discussion highlights evidence-based approaches including DMARD optimisation, exercise, education, self-management, sleep support, weight management and multidisciplinary care, while challenging the long-term use of opioids and gabapentinoids. 

Patient representative Rebecca Beesley shares the potential impact of the guideline on patient empowerment and shared decision-making. 

The episode also provides practical implementation tips and key take-home messages for clinicians aiming to improve pain care for people living with inflammatory arthritis.

Find the video version of this episode on the BSR YouTube channel. 

Read the full guideline here and download the handy infographic and audit tool here. 

https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keag320 

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