Common language description of the term rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) for use in communication with the lay public, healthcare providers and other stakeholders endorsed by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

Abstract

A European League Against Rheumatism-American College of Rheumatology working group consisting of practising and academic rheumatologists, a rheumatology researcher and a patient representative created a succinct general statement describing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in adults and children in language that can be used in conversations with the lay public, media, healthcare providers and other stakeholders. Based on the literature review, several elements were deemed important for inclusion in the description of RMDs. First, RMDs encompass many different diseases that can affect individuals at any age, including children. Second, there are various pathophysiological pathways underlying different RMDs. Third, the impact of RMDs on individuals and society should be emphasised. The working group agreed that the language should be comprehensible to the lay public. Thus, the following description of RMDs has been developed: 'Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are a diverse group of diseases that commonly affect the joints, but can affect any organ of the body. There are more than 200 different RMDs, affecting both children and adults. They are usually caused by problems of the immune system, inflammation, infections or gradual deterioration of joints, muscles and bones. Many of these diseases are long term and worsen over time. They are typically painful and limit function. In severe cases, RMDs can result in significant disability, having a major impact on both quality of life and life expectancy.' This description can be used by rheumatology groups, researchers and those who work in advocacy and education related to RMDs.

Explicit and Implicit Own's Body and Space Perception in Painful Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Scoping Review

“…Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rheumatic Diseases (MDRDs) are a group of diseases commonly affecting bones, muscles and joints (van der Heijde et al, 2018) that often cause chronic pain with a severe impact on the quality of life of patients (March et al, 2014;Blyth et al, 2019), loss of work productivity (Daneshmandi et al, 2017), and significant economic costs for the community (Bevan, 2015;Vos et al, 2017;Briggs et al, 2018). Notably, pain and body perception are essentially two subjective mutually influencing perceptual experiences Trojan et al, 2014): the fast and accurate perception of pain is essential to protect the body, and the perception of body integrity is needed to avoid pain .…”

Brief Report: State‐Level Number of Physically Inactive US Adults With Arthritis Who can Improve Their Anxiety and Depression by Exercising

“…Arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), a diverse group of diseases that commonly affect the joints , are a major public health problem in the United States, affecting an estimated 54.4 million (22.7%) adults 18 years of age or older . At the state level, including the District of Columbia, the age‐adjusted prevalence of arthritis and other RMDs has been reported to be lowest in the District of Columbia (15.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.7%‐16.9%) and highest in West Virginia (34.6%, 95% CI, 33.1%‐36.0%) .…”

A global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in learning about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in undergraduate medical education

“…Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) encompass over 200 degenerative, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions predominantly affecting the musculoskeletal (MSK) system [1][2][3]. They are a leading cause of disability worldwide [4] and have a profound impact on quality of life through chronic pain, social exclusion, loss of employment and reduced productivity [1,5,6].…”

“…They are typically painful and limit function. In severe cases, RMDs can result in significant disability, having a major impact on both quality of life and life expectancy' [2,3].…”