2019, Article / Letter to editor (Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 21, iss. 4, (2019))Background: Web-based self-management enhancing programs have the potential to support patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in their self-management; for example, improve their health status by increasing their self-efficacy or taking their prescribed medication. We developed a Web-based self-management enhancing program in collaboration with RA patients and professionals as co-designers on the basis of the intervention mapping framework. Although self-management programs are complex interventions, it is informative to perform an explorative randomized controlled trial (RCT) before embarking on a larger trial. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Web based self-management enhancing program for patients with RA and identify outcome measures most likely to capture potential benefits. Methods: A multicenter exploratory RCT was performed with an intervention group and a control group. Both groups received care as usual. In addition, the intervention group received 12 months of access to a Web-based self-management program. Assessment occurred at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Outcome measures included self-management behavior (Patient Activation Measurement, Self-Management Ability Scale), self-efficacy (Rheumatoid Arthritis task-specific Self-Efficacy, Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interaction), general health status (RAND-36), focus on fatigue (Modified Pain Coping Inventory for Fatigue), and perceived pain and fatigue (Numeric Rating Scales). A linear mixed model for repeated measures, using the intention-to-treat principle, was applied to study differences between the patients in the intervention (n=78) and control (n=79) groups. A sensitivity analysis was performed in the intervention group to study the influence of patients with high (N=30) and low (N=40) use of the intervention. Results: No positive effects were found regarding the outcome measurements. Effect sizes were low. Conclusions: Based on these results, it is not possible to conclude on the positive effects of the intervention or to select outcome measures to be regarded as the primary/main or secondary outcomes for a future trial. A process evaluation should be performed to provide more insight into the low compliance with and effectiveness of the intervention. This can determine for whom this sort of program will work and help to fine-tune the inclusion criteria.
2015, Article / Letter to editor (JMIR Research Protocols, vol. 4, iss. 4, (2015))Background: Every day rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients make many decisions about managing their disease. An online, computer-tailored, self-management program can support this decision making, but development of such a program requires the active participation of patients. Objective: To develop an online, computer-tailored, self-management program integrated with the nursing care, as nurses have an important role in supporting self-management behavior. Methods: The intervention mapping framework was used to develop the program. Development was a multistep process: (1) needs assessment; (2) developing program and change objectives in a matrix; (3) selecting theory-based intervention methods and practical application strategies; (4) producing program components; (5) planning and adoption, implementation, and sustainability; and (6) planning for evaluation. Results: After conducting the needs assessment (step 1), nine health-related problems were identified: (1) balancing rest and activity, (2) setting boundaries, (3) asking for help and support, (4) use of medicines, (5) communicating with health professionals, (6) use of assistive devices, (7) performing physical exercises, (8) coping with worries, and (9) coping with RA. After defining performance and change objectives (step 2), we identified a number of methods which could be used to achieve them (step 3), such as provision of general information about health-related behavior, self-monitoring of behavior, persuasive communication, modeling, and self-persuasion and tailoring. We described and operationalized these methods in texts, videos, exercises, and a medication intake schedule. The resulting program (step 4) consisted of an introduction module and nine modules dealing with health-related problems. The content of these modules is tailored to the user's self-efficacy, and patients can use the online program as often as they want, working through a module or modules at their own speed. After implementation (step 5), the program will be evaluated in a two-center pilot trial involving 200 RA patients. Log-in data and qualitative interviews will used for a process evaluation. Conclusions: The intervention mapping framework was used to guide development of an online computer-tailored self-management program via a process which could serve as a model for the development of other interventions. A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) will provide insight into the important outcome measures in preparation for a larger RCT. The process evaluation will provide insight into how RA patients use the program and the attrition rate.
2015, Article / Letter to editor (International Journal of Nursing Studies, vol. 52, iss. 10, (2015), pp. 1617-1624)Background: Self-management support is essential to perform self-management behavior. To provide this support in an effective way, insight in the needs for self-management support is necessary. Objective: To give an overview of self-management support needs from the perspective of rheumatoid arthritis patients to help nurses to improve self-management. Design: We conducted a scoping review for the period of January 2002 to May 2013 using the following inclusion criteria: (1) studies on adult patients aged 18 years and older, (2) studies from the perspective of rheumatoid arthritis patients, (3) studies reporting results on support needs, and (4) empirical studies using any design. Data sources: We searched in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Review methods: Following the steps of a scoping review, we (1) identified the research question, (2) identified relevant studies, (3) selected studies, (4) charted the data, and (5) collated, summarized, and reported results. We incorporated the optional sixth step of consultation of a multidisciplinary panel of professionals and patients to validate our findings. Results: Seventeen articles were included. Our review shows that rheumatoid arthritis patients have informational, emotional, social and practical support needs. We found an information need for various topics, e.g. exercises and medication. Patients express a need for emotional support in daily life, given through other RA patients, colleagues and supervisors and nurses. For information needs, emotional and social support it is important that it is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Conclusion: The most important support needs for self-management mentioned by rheumatoid arthritis patients are more informational, social and practical support and emotional support. Considering patients' perspective as a starting point for delivering support for self-management can lead to the development of nursing interventions tailored to the needs of rheumatoid arthritis patients. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.