A growing number of studies have looked at how self-management can help patients with arthritis. A recent article told of 452 patients who were in a 6 week, 2 hour each session, arthritis educational and self-management program in Australia. Data were gathered at three different times: before intervention and at 6 months and 2 years following the program. At six months, there was reduction in pain, fatigue, and health distress, as well as in increase in self-efficacy. The latter was important as it predicted positive changes in patient’s health. These changes were maintained at 2-years. There was an increase in use of pain drugs at 6 months and an increase in anti-inflamatory drugs at 2 years. The authors concluded that although changes in health status were small, the low cost and widespread use of self-management shows the program may have a big public health effect.

Anyone with arthritis is encouraged by positive research findings on the value of self-management in helping them cope with their ailment. Their satisfaction in this case is that self-management proved to have a lasting value to arthritis patients.

Osborne RH, Wilson T, Lorig KR, McColl GJ. Does Self-Management Lead to Sustainable Health Benefits in People with Arthritis? A 2-year Transition Study of 452 Australians. Rheumatol. 2007, Mar 1.