The 3rd Quebec Forum on Arthritis at the Palais des congrès de Montréal - A renewed success

Personal finances are a major concern for people living with arthritis

MONTREAL, Oct. 29, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - In a survey conducted today as part of the 3^rd Quebec Forum on Arthritis, one respondent out of two living with the disease reported going without certain types of health care because of an inability to pay. The Forum attracted nearly 1000 people, who came to get informed and discuss various aspects of arthritis. Chanelle Cartier, a benefit plan consultant who gave a presentation entitled A guide to healthy personal finances despite illness, is not surprised by the results. "The very high price of biologic drugs used in the treatment of rheumatic conditions puts pressure on private benefit plans. Plan managers are forced to lower the amount allocated for the coverage of paramedical services like occupational therapy and physical therapy", Cartier explains. "This situation represents a significant financial burden for patients, and many of them will go without this type of care because of the associated costs."

Forum highlights

• Attracted 970 people: patients living with arthritis, caregivers, health care professionals, support organizations, and health care and service providers;
• Speech by Diane Lamarre, elected member of Taillon, official opposition critic for health and access to care and for home care;
• 50 presentations on various themes delivered by experts;
• The participation of 80 health care professionals in a reflection on the ideal interdisciplinary care trajectory, a training opportunity offered in partnership with the Québec Medical Association;
• Services and advice offered by over 40 exhibitors;
• 4 interactive workshops, making this edition of the Forum even more dynamic;
• 8 webinars that attracted 164 participants from across Canada.

Quotes:

"The wide variety of presentations and exhibitors allowed me to expand my knowledge on arthritis."— Danielle Bourgeault, participant

"Informed patients are always great for me because I am able to talk at a higher level with them about the different treatment options that we can give for their arthritis. Education is really at the forefront of any treatment of arthritis."— Dr. Michael Starr, Rheumatologist

"The Quebec Forum on Arthritis clearly meets our mission of educating people living with arthritis, and it does even more: it creates opportunities for meeting, sharing and reflecting, in addition to exploring the topic of access to paramedical services. Results of today's survey reflect what we hear on a daily basis." – Eric Amar, Executive Director, The Arthritis Society – Quebec Division

To view and download the event pictures, follow this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-vFtsnh_EXIT2Y5aERBbk5nNTA?usp=sharing

For more information on arthritis, visit arthritis.ca

SOURCE La Société de l'arthrite, Division du Québec

or for an interview, please contact: Diane De Bonville, Director, Communications, The Arthritis Society - Quebec Division, Tel: [phone] ext. 2433, Cell: 514-601-7697, Email: [email protected]