Why James wants to be a NASS champion:
My main motivation in applying for this programme is to improve the lives of those living with Axial SpA (including Ankylosing Spondylitis / AS). With the diagnostic delay being 8.5 years, we as healthcare professionals need to do better at asking and recognising signs and symptoms of Axial SpA and act on them appropriately.During my recent MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, one of the modules covered primary care. This opened my eyes to the vast knowledge base required for healthcare professionals(HCPs) working in primary care. When MSK was covered, only a very small part of this covered rheumatological conditions and although Axial SpA was mentioned, very little information was provided on this condition. I therefore want to increase the awareness of Axial SpA in primary care and make sure HCPs are asking the right questions to recognise this condition.
What James hopes to achieve from the programme:
“I hope to educate the primary care workforce in Stockport on the signs and symptoms of Axial SpA and successfully implement a quality improvement project which enables earlier detection of Axial SpA.”