It's in the mail: New method of managing arthritis
BY MITZI BAKER
People with arthritis, fibromyalgia or pain in their joints are invited to participate in a study of a self-management program delivered by mail. Called "Arthritis yes I can," the program aims to help participants learn skills to manage their arthritis in their own homes.
Researchers from the School of Medicine and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill are seeking volunteers for the year-long study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They hope to determine whether verified methods of improving the lives of people with arthritis also work via mailed information, rather than in person.
The at-home "Arthritis yes I can" tool kit contains tip sheets on such topics as pain, exercise and fatigue along with exercise and relaxation CDs, and a new edition of The Arthritis Helpbook, also available in Spanish as Como Convivir con su Artritis. The tool kit and questionnaires will be mailed directly to participants at no cost to them. It addresses such topics as:
The program enhances regular medical treatment by giving participants additional knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy lives. It will not conflict with participants' existing treatments or programs.
"Arthritis yes I can" is based on ongoing research by Kate Lorig, DrPH, professor of medicine in the division of immunology and rheumatology, a nurse and longtime proponent of self-management techniques. In 1985, she developed an approach to be used with small groups, the Arthritis Self-Management Program—also known as the Arthritis Self-Help Course and the Expert Patient—which is now offered worldwide. Previous studies have found the program to be effective in improving participants' exercise behaviors, increasing self-efficacy and confidence, reducing pain and lowering health-care costs.
The original program, however, was difficult for some people to access, especially those who were homebound or otherwise unable to get to the group meetings. Arthritis Foundation chapters and state health departments found that traditionally underserved populations, including rural African Americans and Spanish-speaking people, faced access barriers. To develop a version of the Arthritis Self-Management Program that is effective and easy for people to use in their homes, Lorig collaborated with colleagues at the University of North Carolina and at the CDC.
People living in the United States with arthritis, fibromyalgia or pain in their joints are welcome to participate if they are 18 years of age or older and are willing to spend eight to12 hours in self-study over four to six weeks.
Some participants will receive the "Arthritis yes I can" materials shortly after they enroll. Others will receive them four months later. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two study groups. To enroll or to receive more information, call (877) 668-0682 for English or (800) 725-9424 for Spanish or e-mail self-management@stanford.edu.