| The Rasch Foundation supports health and medical research directed at childhood eczema (and other allergic reactions) and fibromyalgia. In our view, both of these chronic conditions can have a debilitating effect on those who suffer from them, yet both receive relatively little attention in the medical research community. Our goal is to raise both the level of awareness as well as the levels of funding directed at finding triggers, treatments and cures for each disease. The Foundation utilizes a systematic approach to determining how and where to direct its investments in medical research funding. In each case we start with an epidemiologic environmental scan to gain an understanding of the current state of medical knowledge and to identify potential areas where directed research will have the greatest potential impact. We then use the results of the scan to focus on those research areas and approaches where our investment can have maximum impact. We also talk to both leading researchers in a given area of study, as well as "out-of-the-box” thinkers whose ideas may result in a fresh approach to tackling the problems.
CHILDHOOD ECZEMA
Childhood Eczema: In 2008, the Rasch Foundation commissioned dmgroup to complete an environmental scan in the area of childhood eczema. The report was completed in January 2009.
According to dmgroup, global estimates of the prevalence of childhood eczema and poor health outcomes that follow the presentation of the disease are both on the rise. They conclude that the burden of illness suffered by children and their parents and other caregivers necessitates the commitment of core funding across various aspects of research and support services associated with the disease. And, they recommend funding the areas of determining environmental triggers as well as the clinical management of eczema.
Click here to access the full report.
FIBROMYALGIA
The Rasch Foundation has commissioned dmgroup to complete an environmental scan in the area of fibromyalgia. That report is expected in November 2009.
According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points - places on your body where slight pressure causes pain. Fibromyalgia occurs in about 2 percent of the population in the United States.
Women are much more likely to develop the disorder than are men, and the risk of fibromyalgia increases with age. Fibromyalgia symptoms often begin after a physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases there appears to be no triggering event. Further, because many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to various other disorders, diagnosis is often by exclusion and is a long frustrating exercise for those suffering from the condition.
Click here to access the full report.
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