An Online Tailored Self-Management Program for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Developmental Study

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
• Patient Self-Management

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients face daily decisions in managing their condition.
• Online, computer-tailored self-management programs can aid decision-making but require patient input.
• Nurses play a key role in supporting patient self-management behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an online, computer-tailored self-management program for RA patients.
• To integrate the program with existing nursing care to enhance self-management support.
• To utilize patient input throughout the development process.

Main Methods:

• Employed the intervention mapping framework for systematic program development.
• Conducted a needs assessment to identify key health-related problems for RA patients.
• Defined program and change objectives, selecting theory-based methods like tailoring and persuasive communication.
• Operationalized methods into modules (introduction and nine health-specific) with tailored content.
• Planned for implementation, sustainability, and evaluation through a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Main Results:

• Identified nine critical health-related problems for RA patients, including rest/activity balance, boundary setting, and coping strategies.
• Developed an online program with tailored content based on user self-efficacy.
• The program allows patients to progress at their own pace through modules.
• A pilot RCT involving 200 RA patients is planned for evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The intervention mapping framework provides a model for developing computer-tailored self-management interventions.
• A pilot RCT will inform outcome measures for larger trials.
• Process evaluation will assess program usage and attrition rates among RA patients.