| Methods |
A 4 months, community based, cross‐over study.
Assessments were done at baseline and after 4 months.
Quality: 0/0/1/0 |
| Participants |
199 arthritis patients randomised (134 exp/65 contr), 9 drop‐outs (5/4), 10.7% RA (N=31). Diagnosis confirmed by their physician. Recruited by public service announcements. Mean age 67.4 (SD=11.84), 83% female. |
| Interventions |
Arthritis Self‐Management Programme: 6 sessions (15‐20 persons, plus family) in 4 months, taught by 2 lay leaders. Including: nature of arthritis, use of medications, range of motion and isometric exercises, relaxation techniques, joint protection, nutrition, patient‐physician interaction and evaluation of non‐traditional treatments. Based on group discussion, practice, use of contracts and diaries to improve compliance and weekly feedback.
Controls: waiting list controls. |
| Outcomes |
Included: None.
Not reported: VAS‐pain, Ordinale pain scale (mild, moderate, severe), HAQ.
Others: Wallston Health Locus of Control. |
| Notes |
VAS = Visual Analogue Scale
HAQ = Health Assessment Questionnaire |
