Long-term outcomes of an arthritis self-management programme

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Health Psychology
• Patient Education

Background:

• Previous UK evaluation of the Arthritis Self-Management Programme (ASMP) showed short-term benefits.
• These benefits included improved physical and psychological well-being, increased self-efficacy, and enhanced self-management behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the positive effects of the ASMP are maintained at a 12-month follow-up.
• To assess the long-term impact of a community-based patient education intervention for arthritis.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month follow-up data collection was conducted.
• Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to participants previously surveyed at baseline and 4 months.

Main Results:

• The study included 112 participants, predominantly women (82%), with a mean age of 59.6 years.
• Participants had diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (46%) or osteoarthritis (44%).
• Many improvements observed at 4 months were sustained at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The Arthritis Self-Management Programme (ASMP) provides substantial and prolonged benefits for individuals with arthritis.
• These long-term benefits include enhanced self-management abilities, reduced pain, and improved psychological well-being.