Arthritis self-management does not relieve pain or number of GP visits

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that arthritis self-management helps patients cope with their pain better, but does not reduce the pain itself.
The UK Government is rolling out the Expert Patient programme, which aims to encourage patients to 'self-manage' arthritis and other chronic conditions. Research in the USA indicates that patient-centered arthritis management has a beneficial effect upon pain, depression, exercise, communication with doctors, and in patient's beliefs about coping with their condition.

Researchers in London have undertaken one of the largest ever trials intended to measure the impact of self-management in arthritis upon patients. A group of 812 participants with osteoarthritis in the hips and/or knees either undertook self-management or were provided with an education booklet. Those on the active programme reported less anxiety about their pain and more confidence about managing it. However, pain levels themselves were not reduced and nor were the number of doctor visits. More work needs to be done, say the London-based researchers, to make the self-management of arthritis more effective before recommending it to all patients.

Source
BMJ Online First 12th October 2006

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