Evidence suggesting that health education for self-management in patients with chronic arthritis has sustained health benefits while reducing health care costs.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Health education in chronic arthritis may add significant and sustained benefits to conventional therapy while reducing costs.
Lorig
K R
KR
Department of Medicine, Stanford University, California.
Mazonson
P D
PD
Holman
H R
HR
D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006266:Health Education; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007342:Insurance Benefits; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D012648:Self Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*