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How important is patient self-management?
1Medicine and Community Health Science, University of Calgary, Room 442,HMR Building, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Bailliere'S Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|November 28, 2000
Summary
Arthritis self-management programs empower patients, improving outcomes like pain and disability. These programs offer cost savings but require careful implementation and guidance for optimal use alongside rheumatologists.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Health Services Research
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Growing patient interest in alternative care models for arthritis.
- Factors driving this shift include patient autonomy, consumerism, and critiques of medical technology.
- Fundamental questions arise regarding the traditional medical model of arthritis care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the goals and theoretical foundations of Arthritis Self-Management and Bone-up on Arthritis Programs.
- To review the impact of these programs on key patient outcomes.
- To explore economic implications and potential challenges of self-management programs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and program evaluations.
- Analysis of theoretical underpinnings of self-management interventions.
- Examination of cost-effectiveness and implementation factors.
Main Results:
- Self-management programs show positive impacts on disability, pain, depression, and fatigue.
- Potential for significant direct and indirect cost savings for healthcare systems and society.
- Consideration of negative effects and implementation challenges is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Self-management programs are valuable tools for individuals with arthritis, complementing rheumatologist care.
- The increasing reliance on internet resources highlights the need for validated, guided programs.
- Effective implementation, quality control, and long-term maintenance are essential for program success.