| Methods |
A one‐year prospective randomised trial for one year, with a waiting list control group, who received education after one year.
Assessments were done at baseline, 2 weeks later (post‐treatment), 6 weeks later, and 52 weeks later.
Quality: 1/1/2/2 |
| Participants |
70 consecutive were recruited and randomised (I: 38; C: 32).
"68 consecutive patients with definitive RA (1987 revised ARA criteria) participated in an arthritis training programme, either immediately after enrolment or after one year".
68 patients analysed (I: 38; C: 30). Inclusion: patients with definitive RA (1987 revised ARA criteria).
Mean age: 48.3 years (SD: 5.6), range: 21‐79 years, 79% (n=54) female. Disease duration: 8.9 years (SD: 1.2, range: 0.4‐30 years). 14 patients had functional class I; 38 patients had functional class II; and 17 patients had functional class III. |
| Interventions |
Intervention: A 9‐day programme (9 afternoons within 2 weeks) for 8 patients, voluntarily accompanied by relatives or friends, encompassing a multidisciplinary co‐operation between rheumatologists, orthopedists, physicotherapists, psychologists and social workers. The programme covered the following fields: pathogenesis of RA, benefits and limitations of drug therapy, the impact of physicotherapy, practical exercise in remedial gymnastics, use of joint protection devices, orthopedic perspectives, psychological counselling, dietetics, information about unproven cures and social assistance. The teaching professionals integrated theory with practice. This strategy encouraged patients to practice the techniques they were taught; it involved interactive discussion, problem solving, and goal‐setting and sought to improve compliance through the use of diaries. Patients received a published information booklet, based on Lorig's 'Arthritis Helpbook', covering the contents of the training programme.
Controls: waiting list control group. |
| Outcomes |
Included: HAQ and Beck Depression Inventory.
Others: Freiburg Questionnaire of Coping with Illness, and a 21‐point scale to evaluate cognitive‐behavioural and environmental impact. |
| Notes |
ARA = American Rheumatism Association
HAQ = Health Assessment Questionnaire |
