EULAR recommendations for patient education for people with inflammatory arthritis

Abstract

ObjectivesThe task force aimed to: (1) develop evidence-based recommendations for patient education (PE) for people with inflammatory arthritis, (2) identify the need for further research on PE and (3) determine health professionals' educational needs in order to provide evidence-based PE. Methods A multidisciplinary task force, representing 10 European countries, formulated a definition for PE and 10 research questions that guided a systematic literature review (SLR). The results from the SLR were discussed and used as a basis for developing the recommendations, a research agenda and an educational agenda. The recommendations were categorised according to level and strength of evidence graded from A (highest) to D (lowest). Task force members rated their agreement with each recommendation from 0 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Results Based on the SLR and expert opinions, eight recommendations were developed, four with strength A evidence. The recommendations addressed when and by whom PE should be offered, modes and methods of delivery, theoretical framework, outcomes and evaluation. A high level of agreement was achieved for all recommendations (mean range 9.4-9.8). The task force proposed a research agenda and an educational agenda. Conclusions The eight evidence-based and expert opinion-based recommendations for PE for people with inflammatory arthritis are intended to provide a core framework for the delivery of PE and training for health professionals in delivering PE across Europe.

The role of psychological factors in inflammatory rheumatic diseases: From burden to tailored treatment

“…For patients with mild adjustment problems or who are recently diagnosed, patient education will probably suffice [88]. In case of moderate adjustment problems, self-management interventions could sufficiently improve functioning by combining education with some cognitive-behavioral principles such as relaxation, problem solving, and goal setting [2].…”

Patient education in rheumatoid arthritis: is the needs-based approach the way forward?

“…In the context of education, this is consistent with the principles of adult learning theory, which recognises that individuals are different, having different learning needs, which are likely to be different at different time points [6]. One of the European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for patient education [1] specifies 'All people with inflammatory arthritis should have access to and be offered patient education throughout the course of their disease including as a minimum; at diagnosis, at pharmacological treatment change and when required by the patient's physical or psychological cond i t i o n ' . T h e s y s t e m a t i c r e v i e w u n d e r l y i n g t h e recommendations found level 1 evidence for the effectiveness of patient-centred education.…”

“…While research has identified a whole range of benefits such as improved disease knowledge, self-efficacy, concordance with treatment and physical and psychological health status [1], it is important to emphasise that patient education is heterogeneous in terms of content, methods of delivery and whether it is group or individual based. Further clinical heterogeneity is contributed to by the characteristics of patients and the timing of the education; whether it is given in early/late disease or at different points along their disease trajectory.…”

“…T h e s y s t e m a t i c r e v i e w u n d e r l y i n g t h e recommendations found level 1 evidence for the effectiveness of patient-centred education. Therefore, the recommendations further specify that the content and delivery of patient education should be individually tailored and needs-based [1].…”

Translation to Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?"

“…This organization recently developed a consensus through analysis of the literature and experts' opinions. 7 One method of evaluating the efficacy of an educational program consists of measuring the modification of the patient's knowledge. 8 Lubrano et al created an AS knowledge questionnaire that they named "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?"…”