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Background The (French) National osteoarthritis Alliance was created in 2011 to otpimise osteoarthritis patient care. Objectives One of its first initiative was the launch of a national patient survey in December 2012 to assess the main impacts and consequences of osteoarthritis in daily life. In addition to gathering patient needs, the results are expected to be able to sensibilise health authorities, and the public, about osteoarthritis patient9s realities. Whilst a true public health issue, osteoarthritis is nonetheless not a priority in prevention or support in national or local health decisions. Methods A self administered questionnaire was developed by experts of the National osteoarthritis Alliance. The questionnaire addressed previously unexplored issues. The survey consisted of 113 questions and was tested and validated by patients before being put on line at www.stop-arthrose.org. Results More than 70% of the 2,914 respondents were aged between 50 and 69 y old. Contrary to common perception, more than a third of them suffered with the first signs of osteoarthritis before the age of 40. Amongst the osteoarthritis worsening factors, overweight and obesity were present for 52,5% of the respondents, having a professional activity which impacts joints (49,7%) or previous joint trauma (31,8%). The more affected joints were (decreasingly ordered) the knees, the hands, the hips and the feet. Respondents describe a negative impact of osteoarthritis on many life aspects, notably mood (81,7%), leisure activities (77,2%), professional activity (70,8%), walking (66,5%), self image (63,5%) and family life (59,4%). The results are also compiled in a brochure “osteoarthritis: experiences and needs of affected people” which is available on the Internet site www.stop-arthrose.org Conclusions One of the first limits of this survey is its distribution, which was only available for proactive, information seeking internet users. Nonetheless, the results assist in better understanding patient experience, needs and profiles, This innovative survey is a first important step to better recognise osteoarthritis as experienced by patients. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4109

Background In France, between 9 and 10 millions of persons suffer from symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), ie. 17 % of the global population[1]. This disease is the second cause of disability in our country[2] and can be responsible for an important loss of quality of life. In 2002, a socio-economical study(2) showed that, in the last ten years before the study, the number of persons suffering from OA progressed by 54 %, trigerring a 156 % increase in medical costs directly linked to OA. A more recent study[3] established the cost of OA treatment to around 3 billions euros per year. Paradoxically, the two public health objectives connected to OA and defined by the August 9, 2004 Law (objectives #085 and #087) have been left without action or evaluation[4]. Overall, as a public health and medical cost challenge, OA has been largely ignored in our country. Objectives To create a sense of urgency and challenge around this disease, AFLAR, the historical non-profit organization involved in the fight against OA and the only French patient organization dealing with this issue, decided to create the National Alliance against Osteoarthrosis. Methods This National Alliance is composed of various professionnals and institutions involved in OA medical care : patient organizations, medical associations, healthcare professional boards. Starting on november 2011, these experts met and discussed to define National Alliance objectives as well as various actions to be developed. Results National Alliance members agreed on the following objectives : –To bring together all the professionals involved in OA care and to trigger a global mobilization around this underestimated public health issues –To stimulate collective thinking around the challenges linked to OA care –To develop awareness and visibility actions –To disseminate prevention messages, especially regarding the role of physical activity –To identify and relay the needs of people affected by OA –To increase the involvement of local and national governing bodies Four actions have been proposed to reach these objectives : –To fight against misconceptions through educational messages dissemination –To initiate a large online national survey –To launch a web portal which will gather all AFLAR OA-related activities –To develop a regional prevention project Conclusions National Alliance against Osteoarthritis projects synergize efforts from each member’s expertise. Innovative through the diversity of its participants, this Alliance will undoubtedly contribute to amplify our country’s mobilization against OA. References Le Pen C. Les consequences socioeconomiques de l’arthrose en France. La Revue du Rhumatisme 72 (2005) 1326–1330 Fautrel et col. Joint Bone Spine 2005 May ; 72(3) : 235-40 Grange L et coll. : Osteoarthritis in France the cost of ambulatory care in 2010. 2012 World Congress on Osteoarthritis (Barcelone) : 26-29 avril 2012 Rapport du Haut Conseil de Sante publique d’avril 2010 : Objectifs de sante publique Evaluation des objectifs de la loi du 9 aout 2004 – Propositions (p46-47) Disclosure of Interest None Declared