Exploring the Impact of Patients Googling Symptoms
This study is being conducted by Maria Matthews as part of her MSc in Health Psychology at The University of Nottingham. This research is interested in experiences of seeking health information online and experiences of sharing this information with health care providers. The aims of this study are as follows:
- Explore what motivates patients to 'google' their symptoms and/or present these findings to their GP.
- Explore how this impacts upon the relationship between the patient and their GP.
- Investigate whether this aids or hampers the patient provider relationship
- Discuss guidelines which may improve the patient provider relationship and help use this 'google' revolution to our advantage
The Questionnaire can be found at here
Maria's blog provides a background of the research.
Simon runs half marathon for fibromyalgia
Simon Seitz completed the South Downs Half Marathon on Saturday 9th June and raised awareness and funds for fibromyalgia. He was inspired by his Mum who has fibromyalgia and managed to complete the course despite having knee problems that meant he had to walk from the 8 mile point.
His pace up to them must have been good as he finished in 3 hours 11 minutes. The photo shows him at the end, proudly wearing his FMA UK t-shirt, joined by Mattie Harling on the left and in the middle is Susie Barrow, who were both raising money for Diabetes UK.
Well done to Simon and many thanks for your support, which helps us continue to inform a wide range of people about fibromyalgia and lobby for an improvement in treatment
Dr Andrew Holman talks about Fibromyalgia
Dr Holman has been researching treatment options for fibromyalgia for many years and been instrumental in bringing these for approval in the States. Unfortunately the drugs have not been approved specifically for fibromyalgia in Europe, but the findings from these studies helps in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in producing the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
We are very fortunate to have Andrew researching into fibromyalgia and for giving freely of his time whilst in the UK to update us on current thinking. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Tickets can be purchased through the website shop at £3 each to include tea/coffee and the receipt should be brought as proof of purchase as no actual ticket will be issued. Places are limited, so please book in advance to avoid any possible disappointment. You can order your tickets here.
Fibro Pain Map
First, it can help you create a detailed picture of your pain---where it is, how it feels, and how much it hurts---that you can print out and share with your health care provider when you visit. Time is short during these visits. This graphic representation of your current symptoms provides a lot of important information fast, so you and your provider can move on to addressing your issues more quickly.
We need you to help fill out our survey
Please we need your help.
Some time ago we asked you to take part in a survey so that we had UK statistics we could use to provide evidence of what is happening in the UK. Given the number of people with fibromyalgia and the numbers that contact us we anticipated we would have no problem getting at least 500 replies and thought 1000 might be achievable.
Unfortunately we have far fewer than our 500 target. Not only is this a disappointment to all those people that have put time and effort into this, it means the low numbers could have a detrimental effect on any use we might put the resulting report to. It will not indicate that large numbers are affected or see fibromyalgia as a problem.
Fun Day for Fibromyalgia, Wingham, Kent
th This condition has affected someone very close to her and she has watched it take their spark away. She had never heard of Fibromyalgia before as many others haven't, and hopes to raise money and awareness in any way she can.
Star attractions include waxing the players and face painting in the afternoon and a quiz and karaoke in the evening, as well as games and stalls for everyone.
Amy says, “This means so much to me and I want to make a difference.”
Please support Amy and have a great time.
Waving for World Arthritis Day (12th October) - what’s involved?
It’s fun, it’s physical and it’s in a great cause. As part of EULAR’s ‘Move to Improve’ campaign, this year we are asking people around the world to send pictures of people Waving for World Arthritis Day (WAD). Pictures and short videos of people waving can be uploaded onto the World Arthritis Day website (www.worldarthritisday.org/waving).
You can find the leaflet for the event here.
More Articles...
- The British 10k powered by Nike+
- Managing Sick Leave in the Workplace for People with Chronic Pain
- Events Organised by ACOFIFA for International Day of Fibromyalgia
- Liam and Kieran Tough Mudder 2012!
- Aberdeen Support Group Celebrates 10th Birthday
- FibroAwareness Fibro Fun Day - Sun 13th May
- Fibro Marathon for FM Awareness
- Praise for the FMA UK website
- Important Survey about Fibromyalgia – sign up and take part!
- The College of Medicine - Workshops on Management of IBS
- London School of Pharmacy - Relieving Persistent Pain, Improving Health Outocmes
- The Fibromyalgia Border 2 Border Challenge!
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Dr Andrew Holman spoke about Fibromyalgia on 21st July at 2 p.m, in Weston Education Centre, King’s College London. A report will follow about the event.