An overview of how research findings within the REACH programme have shaped policies and practices in relevant fields, demonstrating the broader significance and practical implications of the research beyond academia.
Apni Jung
Dr Kanta Kumar, in collaboration with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), has spearheaded the Apni Jung initiative (our fight) against RA www.nras.org.uk/apnijung. Its primary objective is to provide comprehensive education about RA within cultural context, with a focus on medication adherence, early diagnosis, and self-management of symptoms. The material is available in Hindi and Punjabi, catering to patients facing language barriers and those with non-English-speaking parents in the UK. It has been seamlessly integrated into every rheumatology clinic. The initiative operates through a dedicated committee board set up by Dr Kumar. The educational materials covering various aspects of RA, including patient testimonials, medication adherence issues, advanced treatment options, cardiovascular risk knowledge, and clinical insights.
Yeh Hai Lupus
Dr Kanta Kumar and her team at the University of Birmingham undertook a study that was funded by Lupus UK, focusing on the experiences of South Asian individuals living with lupus. As a result, "Yeh Hai Lupus" has been developed in Hindi to assist members of the South Asian community in comprehending lupus and its impacts, especially for those whose primary language is not English. Yeh Hai Lupus is hosted by Lupus UK and reaching to patients in clinic.