Abstract
BackgroundSelf‐management is a key recommendation for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Educational materials may support self‐management, and increasingly patients are becoming involved with the development of these materials. The TITRATE trial compares the effectiveness of intensive management to standard care in patients with moderate RA across England. As part of the intensive management intervention, participants are given a handbook.Aim and objectivesThe aim of this study was to develop a handbook to support the intensive management. The objectives were to: (i) involve patients in the identification of relevant information for inclusion in the TITRATE handbook; (ii) ensure the content of the handbook is acceptable and accessible.DesignWe held an audio‐taped workshop with RA patients. The transcript of the workshop was analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsFive main themes were identified as follows: ‘rheumatoid arthritis treatment, perceptions of rheumatoid arthritis, the importance of individualized goals, benefits of self‐management and the patient handbook’. Feedback from the workshop was incorporated into the handbook, and patients’ anonymous testimonies were added.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that patient contribution to the development of educational material to support intensive management of RA is both feasible and valuable. A qualitative evaluation of the use and impact of the handbook with patients and practitioners is planned on completion of the TITRATE trial.
Highlights
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term, progressive, auto-immune disease that causes joint destruction, pain, disability and reduced quality of life.[1]
Self-management is a key recommendation for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
The TITRATE trial compares the effectiveness of intensive management to standard care in patients with moderate RA across England
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term, progressive, auto-immune disease that causes joint destruction, pain, disability and reduced quality of life.[1]. Health-care providers, and indirect costs associated with early mortality and loss of productivity.[2] The precise aetiology of RA remains unclear; there is a wide array of known risk factors (e.g. smoking) for developing RA, approximately 50% of which are genetic.[1]. The importance of self-management for the regulation of long-term conditions has been widely recognized.[3] Patient education is incorporated into most RA self-management programmes, for example the Arthritis SelfManagement Programme,[4] and the RA SelfManagement Programme developed by The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) and Self-Management UK Self-management is a key recommendation for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Educational materials may support self-management, and increasingly patients are becoming involved with the development of these materials. The TITRATE trial compares the effectiveness of intensive management to standard care in patients with moderate RA across England. As part of the intensive management intervention, participants are given a handbook
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