Open AccessEvidence suggesting that health education for self‐management in patients with chronic arthritis has sustained health benefits while reducing health care costs
Author(s) -
Lorig Kate R.,
Mazonson Peter D.,
Holman Halsted R.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780360403
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatoid arthritis , osteoarthritis , physical therapy , arthritis , patient education , self management , health care , health education , chronic pain , alternative medicine , family medicine , public health , nursing , pathology , machine learning , computer science , economics , economic growth
Objective. To determine the effects of the Arthritis Self‐Management Program 4 years after participation in it. Methods. Valid self‐administered instruments were used to measure health status, psychological states, and health service utilization. Results. Pain had declined a mean of 20% and visits to physicians 40%, while physical disability had increased 9%. Comparison groups did not show similar changes. Estimated 4‐year savings were $648 per rheumatoid arthritis patient and $189 per osteoarthritis patient. Conclusion. Health education in chronic arthritis may add significant and sustained benefits to conventional therapy while reducing costs.