This SKILLs session offers practical guidance on shifting how we communicate with patients, with tips, myth-busting and supportive frameworks.
In this session, we will:
- Recognise the role language plays in musculoskeletal (MSK) care and its impact on patient understanding and engagement.
- Identify language and phrases that may unintentionally undermine confidence, reinforce myths or affect patient experience.
- Explore practical alternatives that support clearer communication, shared understanding and a more positive patient experience.
Charlotte Sharp
Charlotte is a consultant Rheumatologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary, and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester. Research and practice interests include communicating with patients, digital innovation, quality improvement and qualitative methodology.
David Easton
Senior Urgent Care Practitioner
Special interest in pain science and management, lifestyle medicine, and art & creative health initiatives.
Ambassador for 5K Your Way
David graduated with a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy from Northumbria University in 2000. During his career, he has worked in a range of healthcare settings within the NHS, military and private sector. From the outset, David has taken an interest in chronic MSK health presentations and has read widely on multi-factorial nature that influence patient outcomes.
In 2005, he supported the delivery of the evidence based ADAPT pain management programme designed collaboratively between teams at Guy’s and St Thomas’, London and North Shore Hospital, Sydney Australia. In 2008-9, he undertook additional study at Keele University in the areas of pain science & management, which help secure a specialist pain therapist role at Sheffield Teaching Hospital and latterly with Pain Management Solutions.
David has led the development and implementation of the ESCAPE pain rehabilitation programme for OA hips and knees within his local physio service. For 18 months, he went on to be national clinical champion for Wales, supported by the Health Innovation Network and Arthritis UK Cymru. During this time, ESCAPE pain was integrated to four additional health boards across Wales.
From 2019 he has also had a part-time role as Macmillan clinical lead for cancer rehabilitation within Hywel Dda University Health board. This project post has culminated in the design and delivery of a virtual rehabilitation service for men with prostate cancer. His latest role is an integrated therapy role supporting the development of a same day urgent care service in Ceredigion.
Please note: While we may record this session for internal training and quality purposes, the recording will not be shared with attendees or made available publicly.
If you have any questions about this training please email professionalengagement@arthritis-uk.org.
