5.6.5. Control tools and policies

Strategies have been developed by the European Action Towards Better Musculoskeletal Health (European Commission (2004): European Action Towards Better Musculoskeletal Health). These bring together the evidence-based interventions that have been identified for the different musculoskeletal conditions.

The strategies are based on a review of the evidence from existing guidelines and systematic reviews, along with the opinion of experts from across Europe in the areas of rheumatology, orthopaedics, trauma, public health, health promotion and policy implementation. In addition, the views of people with musculoskeletal conditions have also been taken into account.

The strategies are aimed at the whole population to prevent these conditions where possible; those individuals at highest risk of developing these conditions; and those who already have these conditions to reduce the impact that the conditions have on them. There is a commonality of recommendations that will maintain or improve musculoskeletal health whatever the underlying condition. Furthermore, they combine what can be achieved from evidence-based interventions with what those with musculoskeletal conditions, their carers and representatives; and health care providers want to be achieved. The evidence for these recommendations is available in the full report at http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_projects/2000/promotion/fp_promotion_2000_frep_15_en.pdf and http://www.boneandjointdecade.org/news/articles/european_action_better_musc_health.pdf. The potential health gains are given in the full report together with the indications on how the strategies could be implemented. The key message is that primary prevention has to do with the promotion of healthy lifestyles: healthy diet, physical exercise, avoidance of alcohol excess, of tobacco smoking, etc.