[Patient education in rheumatology-an overview]

Patients with rheumatic diseases need a comprehensive and interdisciplinary treatment. In this context patient education takes the part to lead patients to a better self-management. The goals of patient education are the increase of knowledge and introspection, the positive influencing of attitudes and self-efficacy and in addition the improvement of disease or health behavior. It is well known that the necessary change of behavior is hard and depends on various conditions. The study group "patient education" of the German Society of Rheumatology had developed several education programs, the methods and topics of which are based on behavioral science. These programs are topic centered and close to patients' needs. Their efficacy has been proved on different levels, economic advantages have been shown. At present these programs are mostly used for inpatients. Since there is no payment to implement these programs for outpatients, alternative ways are necessary.