Pioneering work on the self-management of arthritis by Kate Lorig, Hal Holman, and their colleagues at Stanford University has led others to develop programs for patients with the condition.

A recent article from England showed that the self- management of arthritis program reduced anxiety and improved whether or not people thought they could manage their symptoms. The program had no significant effect on pain, physical functioning, or contact with primary care, however.

The authors of the study may have been disappointed with their study as there were no changes in pain, physical functioning, or contact with primary care. However, the duration of the study--12 months--is too short a period to expect major changes in these outcomes. The authors should follow their subjects longer, particularly as they obtained significant changes in the participant’s self-efficacy. The changes in the confidence patients have in managing a chronic illness are likely to produce positive changes in the long run.