| Methods |
A one year study with waiting list controls.
Assessments were done at baseline and 3 and 12 months after the intervention.
Quality: 0/1/2/0 |
| Participants |
100 consecutive patients with RA according to 1987 ACR criteria. All patients completed the intervention, 4 patients were lost to follow‐up (2 refused, 1 death, 1 ill). Mean age: 55 yr; 83% female. |
| Interventions |
8 weekly (2,5 h) group discussions led by a team (doctor, nurse, PT, OT, social worker and dietitian). First session: introduction, leisure priorities and main problems. Folowing sessions: problem solving; therapy; diets; pain management, rest, exercise and relaxation; pain relief, home exercises; hand function and aids; social problems; daily problems and tools; discussion with family and friends. One yr later informal meeting (problems with feet). |
| Outcomes |
Included: VAS‐pain, HAQ.
Others: AHI. |
| Notes |
ACR = American College of Rheumatology
PT = Physiotherapist
OT = Occupational therapist
VAS = Visual Analogue Scale
HAQ = Health Assessment Questionnaire
AHI = Arthritis Helplessness Index |
