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Support group, education program offered strong positive impact for RA patients

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A support group and education program for patients recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was shown to help participants make informed choices about their disease and had a strong, positive psychological and emotional impact on their lives, according to results of a study discussed at the American College of Rheumatology meeting.

“A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is overwhelming and extremely stressful, so emotional and educational support are very important,” study author, Ted Fields, MD, said in a press release. “Meeting others with the same illness gives participants a sense of community and has a positive psychological impact. We also know that educated patients are more likely to stay on their medications, which is important in controlling RA.”

As part of the support group, called the Early RA Support and Education Program, researchers from the Hospital for Special Surgery issued a monthly 20-question evaluation to 180 participants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for 12 months. The researchers used a six-point Likert grading scale and open questions divided into groups about managing RA, connecting with others and emotional impact.

Results showed 90% of participants felt they could make more informed choices about their RA, and 84% felt they could discuss treatment of RA with their doctor. In the emotional impact section of the questionnaire, 79% of participants said they were more confident in managing their RA, and 61% of participants noted the disease was less disruptive in their life than before, according to the press release.

The support group itself also was positively received; 77% of participants said speaking with group members helped them feel more hopeful about their RA, and 89% of participants said sharing information helped them cope with the disease.

Reference:

Batterman A. Paper #3016. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. Nov. 14-19, 2014; Boston.

Disclosure: Fields has disclosed a financial relationship with Pfizer.