ABSTRACT
In two research projects, rheumatological patient education programmes were updated. The first step was to develop an expert consented framework for all rheumatological patient education programmes. From this, curricula and working materials for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (AS) were derived and two exemplary patient education manuals developed. A randomized controlled trail was designed for the five-hour RA basic education program. Finally, existing train-the-trainer training courses were adapted for these patient education programmes.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid , Patient Education as Topic , Rheumatology , Spondylarthritis , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/therapy , Curriculum , Humans , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Spondylarthritis/therapyABSTRACT
An increase in general health literacy and a targeted patient information are important prerequisites for coping with the chronic disease in people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The education programs of the Working Group of Regional Cooperative Rheumatism Centers in the German Society for Rheumatology (AGRZ), such as StruPI, the offers of the German Rheumatism League (Deutsche Rheuma-Liga) and other elements provide a framework for those affected and their relatives, in which a participative decision-making (PEF) on equal terms can be possible. The physician-patient communication changes in the sense of a PEF and hopefully leads to a sustainably better patient compliance. Non-medicinal treatment, comorbidities and changes in life style are important issues in such cases. The StruPI is an established format for information and education of patients, particularly in outpatient rheumatism patients. In the midterm patient education (outpatient and inpatient) and self-management courses will be offered and honored nationwide, analogue to other chronic diseases, e.g. asthma and diabetes. Patients can influence the course of the disease by life style changes. The treatment of chronic diseases can only function in the long term in a consensual partnership.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Health Literacy , Rheumatic Diseases , Chronic Disease , Humans , Patient Participation , RheumatologyABSTRACT
The German Association against Rheumatism and Arthritis considers the improvement of health literacy as one of their most important tasks. In local groups people with arthritis have the chance to exchange experiences and to benefit from consultation. Individual experiences are merged into a collective knowledge. Numerous printed media as well as information and exchange via the internet help to improve health literacy. Self-management courses and patient education courses are specific instruments to improve the competences of people with arthritis to manage their own condition. Through exercise programs, which are offered locally, the Association strives to improve self-efficacy regarding exercise. A survey of the members showed that the activities of the patient association are well accepted and valued. The empowered patient has more and more become a partner in the micro-level communication with their doctor. On the macro-level, patient representatives play an important role in the committees of the German self-administration of health insurance and physician organizations.
Subject(s)
Health Literacy/organization & administration , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Rheumatic Diseases/diagnosis , Rheumatic Diseases/therapy , Rheumatology/organization & administration , Societies, Medical/organization & administration , Germany , HumansABSTRACT
The German Rheuma-Liga as the largest patient organisation presents the different ways of informing patients. Patient- education-programs are presented, with a program focussing on social and psychological issues in particular.