scholarly journals Self-Management in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Author(s):  
Wen Luo ◽  
Xiuli Zhang ◽  
Kaijing Ren

Despite the effective pharmacological management of the disease over the last two decades, many individuals with RA continue to have psychological distress, and this is associated with poor outcomes. Addressing psychological issues hand in hand with pharmacological treatment will help to maximize outcomes for people with RA. Self-management (SM) is of utmost importance for people with rheumatoid arthritis to minimize their complaints, reduce clinic visits, and reduce disability. Considering the continuous update on the guidelines for disease management, non-pharmacological management remains a poorly addressed need of importance. In this chapter, we will introduce the current and progress of self-management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.


Author(s):  
Wieland D Müskens ◽  
Sanne A A Rongen-van Dartel ◽  
Carine Vogel ◽  
Anita Huis ◽  
Eddy M M Adang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives We aimed to evaluate the use of an eHealth platform and a self-management outpatient clinic in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a real-world setting. The effect on healthcare utilization and disease activity were studied. Methods Using hospital data of patients with RA between 2014 and 2019, the use of an eHealth platform and participation in a self-management outpatient clinic were studied. An interrupted time series analysis compared the period before and after the introduction of the eHealth platform. The change in trend (relative to the pre-interruption trend) for the number of outpatient clinic visits and the disease activity score 28-joints (DAS28) was determined for several scenarios. Results After the platform’s implementation in April 2017, the percentage of patients using it was stable around 37%. On average, the users of the platform were younger, more highly educated and had better health outcomes than the total RA population. After the implementation of the platform, the mean number of quarterly outpatient clinic visits per patient decreased by 0.027 per quarter (CI = [-0.045;-0.08], p-value = 0.007). This was accompanied by a significant decrease in DAS28 of 0.056 per quarter (CI = [-0.086;-0025], p-value = 0.001). On average this resulted in 0.955 less visits per patient per year and a 0.503 reduction in the DAS28 Conclusions The implementation of remote patient monitoring has a positive effect on healthcare utilization, while maintaining low disease activity. This should encourage the use of this type telemedicine in the management of RA, especially, when many routine outpatient clinic visits are cancelled due to COVID-19.



2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e0110917071
Author(s):  
Carina de Morais Neves ◽  
Yone de Almeida Nascimento ◽  
Mariana Martins Gonzaga do Nascimento ◽  
Hágabo Mathyell Silva ◽  
Isabela Viana Oliveira ◽  
...  

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that compromises patients’ quality of life and it demands an indispensable and complex pharmacological treatment. The aim of the present study was to understand patients’ experiences with the pharmacological treatment of RA. In order to explore this area, interviews were conducted with patients with RA followed at an outpatient clinic. Merleau-Ponty’s theoretical framework was applied to understand the investigated phenomenon by using the essential structures of the experience (time, space, relationships with other people, and sexuality, all of which are anchored in the body). These were used to describe the central meanings of the patients’ medication experience. The data showed that patients experienced ambiguity during the RA treatment and that it pervaded all the essential structures of the experience. The experiences that emerged from data analysis were: “waiting for the proper treatment”; “hoping for its effectiveness and safety”; “rediscovering spaces lost because of the disease”; and “self-management in controlling symptoms”. Understanding these experiences allows for the healthcare team to offer more comprehensive, holistic and effective care, contributing to better health outcomes.



Author(s):  
Alison MacIver ◽  
Hannah Hollinger ◽  
Clare Carolan

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA), a long-term auto-immune condition is a challenging condition for patients to manage. Goals of treatment include reducing pain, decreasing inflammation, and improving an individual’s overall function. Increasingly technology is being utilised to support patients to self-manage their condition. The aim of this systematic narrative review was to synthesise and critically appraise published evidence concerning the effectiveness of tele-health interventions to support self-management in RA. Bibliographic databases searched from 2014 to March 2020 included MedLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library. Search strategy combined the following concepts: (1) rheumatoid arthritis, (2) tele-health interventions, and (3) self-management. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with RA were included. Titles, abstracts, full-text articles were screened, any discrepancies were checked by a second reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and data were extracted utilising the Cochrane data collection form for RCT interventions along with the TiDier checklist. Due to high heterogeneity, results were not meta-analysed and instead data were synthesised narratively. The search identified 98 articles, seven were included. The completed RCTs varied in the nature of the interventions, duration/severity of RA, outcomes measured and effectiveness of the interventions. The completed RCTs included a total of 791 participants Disease duration was largely between 4 and 10 years and disease severity on average was moderate. There was extensive variation in intervention components, theories underpinning theories and outcomes measured. Five RCTs reported a positive effect on factors such as disease activity, medication adherence, physical activity and self-efficacy levels. This study suggests that tele-health interventions that are well-designed, tailored and multi-faceted can help to achieve positive self-management outcomes in RA. None of the studies showed evidence of harm.



BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e048350
Author(s):  
Monika Kastner ◽  
Julie Makarski ◽  
Leigh Hayden ◽  
Jemila S Hamid ◽  
Jayna Holroyd-Leduc ◽  
...  

IntroductionIn response to the burden of chronic disease among older adults, different chronic disease self-management tools have been created to optimise disease management. However, these seldom consider all aspects of disease management are not usually developed specifically for seniors or created for sustained use and are primarily focused on a single disease. We created an eHealth self-management application called ‘KeepWell’ that supports seniors with complex care needs in their homes. It incorporates the care for two or more chronic conditions from among the most prevalent high-burden chronic diseases.Methods and analysisWe will evaluate the effectiveness, cost and uptake of KeepWell in a 6-month, pragmatic, hybrid effectiveness–implementation randomised controlled trial. Older adults age ≥65 years with one or more chronic conditions who are English speaking are able to consent and have access to a computer or tablet device, internet and an email address will be eligible. All consenting participants will be randomly assigned to KeepWell or control. The allocation sequence will be determined using a random number generator.Primary outcome is perceived self-efficacy at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, health background/status, lifestyle (nutrition, physical activity, caffeine, alcohol, smoking and bladder health), social engagement and connections, eHealth literacy; all collected via a Health Risk Questionnaire embedded within KeepWell (intervention) or a survey platform (control). Implementation outcomes will include reach, effectiveness, adoption, fidelity, implementation cost and sustainability.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been received from the North York General Hospital Research and Ethics Board. The study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Ontario Ministry of Health. We will work with our team to develop a dissemination strategy which will include publications, presentations, plain language summaries and an end-of-grant meeting.Trial registration numberNCT04437238.



2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1288.1-1289
Author(s):  
I. Mcnicol ◽  
A. Bosworth ◽  
C. Jacklin ◽  
J. Galloway

Background:NRAS follows best practice, evidence-based standards in all we do. Whilst huge strides have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of RA, the impact on quality of life can be significant and for many this disease remains hard to come to terms with. NRAS services and resources can improve the outcomes of people with RA/Adult JIA through a framework of supported self-management resources tailored to individual need. It is particularly important to provide the right support at the beginning of a person’s journey with RA, when unhelpful health beliefs, anxiety and incorrect information can influence how someone responds to prescribed medication and treatment thus impeding their ability to achieve the best outcomes. We know, for example, that many people do not take their medication as prescribed which reduces their chances of achieving remission or low disease activity state.Objectives:To demonstrate that by referring patients online as part of a quality improvement programme to NRAS Right Start Service, we can show improved outcomes for patients with early RA when measured by the MSKHQ. Referred patients will benefit by: a) Better understanding what RA is; b) knowing how it can affect them; c) getting the right support; d) feeling more in control; receiving a tailored pack of information that meets their personal needs; e) be able to talk to a like-minded person who has lived with RA. It’s a 4 step process which starts with the health professional referring their patient to NRAS on line. NICE Quality Standard 3 states that “Adults with rheumatoid arthritis are given opportunities throughout the course of their disease to take part in educational activities that support self-management.” Our service enables health professionals to meet their responsibilities against this national quality standard.Methods:In preparation for the introduction of this service at BSR congress 2019, an audit of the NRAS helpline service was undertaken at the end of 2018 and remains on going. Currently we have 224 responses which have been analysed against specific criteria. An Advisory Board comprising 7 clincians, from different hospitals was appointed to work with NRAS on this important research.Results:In the helpline audit, when asked ‘how concerned are you about your disease’?, alarmingly, 78% of those surveyed scored their level of concern about their disease at 7 or higher out of 10, while only 8% scored it at 5 or below. When asked about the emotional effects of their RA, 62% scored it as 7 or more where 10 was the worst possible impact. 94% of survey respondents said that they would definitely or very likely recommend NRAS and its services to another person. These results led to the development of New2RA Right Start launched in 2019, whereby health professionals across the UK can refer their patients directly to NRAS via a consented online referral which is fully GDPR compliant. To date (31stJan, 2020), we have made calls to 101 patients, from 24 referring hospitals of which 55 have been successfully completed, 34 have had information sent through the post although our helpline team were unable to speak to them, and 12 remain open. Data analysis on the service is being carried out by King’s College Hospital London, comparing the results of patients who have been referred to Right Start within the national audit who have completed a baseline and 3 month follow up MSKHQ and patients in the audit who have not participated in Right Start.Conclusion:Anecdotally, we have had a tremendous response to this service from both patients and referring health professionals. We await data from King’s on the above figures, which we will have within the next 2 months and further data, should this abstract be accepted, will be available prior to June 2020. Right Start enables health professionals to comply with QS3 above, of the NICE Quality Standards in RA, one of the key standards against which they are being audited in the NEIAA national audit. Once data and write up in a peer review journal has been published we plan to roll this service out to people with more established disease.References:[1]To be done, not included in word count.Acknowledgments:I would like to thank Ailsa Bosworth MBE, Clare Jacklin, and James GallowayDisclosure of Interests:Iain McNicol Shareholder of: GSK, Ailsa Bosworth Speakers bureau: a number of pharmaceutical companies for reasons of inhouse training, advisory boards etc., Clare Jacklin Grant/research support from: NRAS has received grants from pharmaceutical companies to carry out a number of projects, Consultant of: I have been paid a speakers fee to participate in advisory boards, in house training of staff and health professional training opportunities, Speakers bureau: Various pharma companies, James Galloway: None declared



2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1470.2-1471
Author(s):  
M. Fusama ◽  
S. Oliver ◽  
H. Nakahara ◽  
Y. Van Eijk-Hustings ◽  
Y. Kuroe

Background:The course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs from patient to patient, and each patient has a unique story. The disease condition affects psychological and social aspects, greatly affecting the quality of life. The disease course is unpredictable, and each patient’s story can be seen as a lifelong journey, full of ups and downs. Therefore, it is crucial to know what kind of support is required during the course of their life.Objectives:The aim of this study is to examine the life story of patients with RA and clarify a common situation in their stories in order to consider what kind of support is needed.Methods:This is a qualitative study using life story interview for patients with RA in Japan. Interview included disease history, patients’ behaviors, effects on daily life, the patients’ perspectives regarding psychological considerations and useful support. Data were analyzed using content analysis. This study was approved by the ethics committee and informed consent was obtained.Results:Eight patients participated in this study. They were all females and the average age was 57 years old. As a result of the categorization, we extracted the following eight situations: (1) Emergence of symptom; patients thought joint pain would go away, however, the symptom did not improve and began to affect their daily life and work, (2) Choose a hospital to visit; pain and anxiety have continued and decided to visit a hospital, (3) Encounter with their doctors; patients expected their doctor to relieve their pain, while they were afraid of being told that they were suffering from a serious disease. (4) Diagnosis of RA; patients were shocked when diagnosed and anxious about what would happen and wondered why they had such a disease, (5) Choice of treatment; patients were afraid of the side effects. They wanted to make a decision discussing with their doctor, but they could not understand the explanation about drugs well and, therefore, followed the doctor’s opinion. (6) Change of treatment; a biological agent was often recommended. Patients were also worried about side effects and the financial burden. (7) Remission or stable phase; they felt better mentally too, however, they often felt anxiety about disease flare, side effect of drugs and financial burden, and (8) Flare and remission; patients felt shocked and disappointed when RA flared, and then, they noticed that patients with RA had alternating periods of relapse and remission and they had to live with RA.These interviews revealed repeated worsening and improvement of symptoms and many similar repeated psychological reactions such as anxiety, shock, denial, conflict, acceptance, giving up and relief. To cope with these fluctuating disease and mental conditions, patients were supported by educational and psychological assistance, timely consultations, social life help from nurses and support from their family. The patients considered a trusting relationship with their doctors is necessary. The patients had also realized through their experience the importance of enhancing their own abilities, such as decision-making, prevention of infections and self-management skills. Moreover, they noticed that it is important to have their own goals including hobbies and work.Conclusion:This study elucidated the common behaviors of patients with RA, the impact of RA on their psychological state and daily and social life, and the required support. The psychological condition and daily and social life also had a great influence on medical behavior. Therefore, psychosocial support and establishment of trust between healthcare professionals and patients are crucial. In addition, improving patients’ self-management skills including self-efficacy and empowerment is also necessary. As patients with RA often feel anxious in various situations and expect nurses’ support, nurses should listen to patients, pay attention to their concerns and anxieties, and show a solution-oriented attitude. In order for patients to feel at ease in their Patient Journey, nurses should sail with them while maintaining a patient-centered perspective.Disclosure of Interests:None declared



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca O’Hara ◽  
Heather Rowe ◽  
Jane Fisher

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What self-management factors are associated with quality of life among women with endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Greater self-efficacy was associated with improved physical and mental quality of life. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Women with endometriosis have an impaired quality of life compared to the general female population. However, most studies have investigated quality of life in a hospital or clinic setting rather than a community setting and the association between self-management factors and quality of life have not, to date, been investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cross-sectional, population-based online survey was performed, which was advertised through women’s, community and endometriosis-specific groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 620 women completed the survey for this study. Mental and physical quality of life was assessed using the standardized SF36v2 questionnaire. Self-management factors included self-efficacy, partners in health (active involvement in managing the condition) and performance of self-care activities. Treatment approaches included the use of hormonal treatment, pain medications and complementary therapies and whether the participant had a chronic disease management plan. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine whether self-management and treatment factors were associated with quality of life. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both physical and mental quality of life were significantly lower among women with endometriosis compared to the mean scores of the general Australian female population (P < 0.001). Physical quality of life was positively associated with income sufficiency (P < 0.001) and greater self-efficacy (P < 0.001), but negatively associated with age (P < 0.001), pain severity (P < 0.001), use of prescription medications (P < 0.001), having a chronic disease management plan (P < 0.05) and number of self-care activities (P < 0.05). Mental quality of life was positively associated with being older (P < 0.001), partnered (P < 0.001), having a university education (P < 0.05), increasing self-efficacy (P < 0.001) and higher partners in health scores (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Results are derived from a cross-sectional study and can only be interpreted as associations not as causal relationships. The sample was more educated, more likely to speak English and be born in Australia than the general Australian female population of the same age, which may influence the generalizability of these results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study investigated a knowledge gap by investigating quality of life of women with endometriosis in a large community sample. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with both physical and mental quality of life. Supporting women with endometriosis to improve self-efficacy through a structured chronic disease management programme may lead to improvements in this aspect of wellbeing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) R.O. undertook this research as part of her PhD at Monash University, which was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend. J.F. is the Finkel Professor of Global Public Health, which was supported by the Finkel Family Foundation. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.



2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-245
Author(s):  
Jung-Hua Shao ◽  
Kuang-Hui Yu ◽  
Su-Hui Chen


Rheumatology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 302-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. L. Manning ◽  
B. Kaambwa ◽  
J. Ratcliffe ◽  
D. L. Scott ◽  
E. Choy ◽  
...  


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