Long-term effects of therapeutic education for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an educational program on the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after 3 years. Methods From December 2002 to December 2003, 39 RA patients participated in a 3-day education program delivered to groups of four or five patients. Effects of the program were evaluated after 3 years in 33 patients, comparatively to baseline, based on the following variables: knowledge of RA (self-questionnaire), disease activity (DAS 28), functional impairment (health assessment questionnaire [HAQ]) and quality of life (arthritis impact measurement scale 2 [AIMS2], short-form). We also compared patient knowledge in the educational program participants and in 38 controls with RA. Direct questions were used to evaluate the program after 3 years. Results Patient knowledge 3 years after the education program was significantly improved compared to baseline ( P P P Conclusion An educational program tailored to patient needs can produce lasting improvements in knowledge of the disease and may help to control the activity of RA. These results warrant the development of education programs for patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease.