| Methods |
A six months, parallel, outcome assessor blinded study.
Assessments were done at baseline and 6 months later.
Quality: 1/0/2/1 |
| Participants |
58 RA and 15 SLE‐patients, after 3 drop‐outs: 2 RA, 1 SLE (RA: 28 exp/30 controls). Inclusion: primary RA or SLE for at least 1 yr, capable and willing to be interviewed and counselled over a 6‐months period by telephone. Mean age of the RA‐patients: 53.5 yr and 100% female. |
| Interventions |
Counselling: Person‐centered, nondirective, telephone based counselling. Sessions every 4 to 6 weeks over 6 months, initially 30 minutes, subsequent sessions 15‐30 minutes, using a written, standardized guideline. The protocol emphasized empathy, positive regard and congruence.
Controls: Usual care. |
| Outcomes |
Included: AIMS2 (pain, physical).
Others: AIMS2‐psychological (= anxiety + depression + social activities + social interactions). |
| Notes |
SLE = Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
AIMS2 = Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 |
