On 19 August, Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK) launched the National Musculoskeletal Consumer Survey 2020. This is the largest and most comprehensive consumer-driven survey in Australia of people living with musculoskeletal conditions, or those caring for someone with a condition, to determine how their care can be improved.
Musculoskeletal conditions are the second-largest contributor to disability worldwide and the most common cause for early retirement. There are over 150 musculoskeletal conditions which include common conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia.
MSK aims to deliver the most comprehensive audit of what it is like to live with a musculoskeletal condition in Australia with this survey, as there is inadequate prioritisation of musculoskeletal health and persistent pain in the current health system.
“The prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in Australia is becoming exceedingly high and can have a profound impact on people’s lives, including their mental wellbeing and socio-economic circumstances. MSK is committed to representing the needs and perspectives of people living with these conditions and wants to achieve the best outcomes for them. Our national consumer survey is the first step to providing us with a broader understanding of their experiences, needs and how to best support them,” says Rob Anderson, CEO MusculoskeletalAustralia.
The survey will allow the voices of the one in three Australians affected by these conditions to be heard by sharing what condition/s they have and the overall effect it has on their life in order to increase the awareness on the impact of living with musculoskeletal conditions.
“We strongly encourage everyone living with a musculoskeletal condition, or those caring for someone, to complete the survey. It takes only 10 minutes to complete and will greatly assist MSK and other organisations to better engage Australians living with these conditions and improve their quality of life,” said Mr Anderson.
Take the survey now for your chance to win a $3,000 travel voucher. For more information, see the National Musculoskeletal Consumer Survey 2020 media release.
