Challenging Arthritis: an internet based initiative to reach people in regional and remote areas

Ms Jacqui Louth and Jane Wicks, Arthritis Educator
Arthritis Foundation of New South Wales.

It is widely known, that people in regional and remote areas have limited access to support and
information regarding arthritis. The Challenging Arthritis Self-Management Program, like many
other self-management programmes, is aimed at reaching people with arthritis who cannot
easily access health services.

Challenging Arthritis is predominantly an internet program, enabling the consumer easy access
to health information. The program aims to increase the consumers’ knowledge and skills to be
able to make informed choices to self-manage their arthritis.

The innovative program consists of four inter-active modules:
· Coping with Arthritis
· Managing Pain
· Exercise
· Stress Management and Relaxation

The workshop will cover the development, implementation, evaluation, program statistics,
evolvement and on-going management of the Challenging Arthritis Program.

The challenge to most Chronic Health Programs is take-up by the desired participant.
Achieving take-up has led to innovative program development, which will be discussed in the
workshop.

The workshop objectives:
· To increase participants knowledge base regarding the set-up and on-going
management of an internet self-management program
· To encourage participants to consider new ideas and strategies in developing a selfmanagement
program