Health outcome improvements in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using two telephone counseling interventions.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of two telephone intervention strategies for improving the health outcomes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
Fifty-eight SLE patients were randomly assigned to receive a 6-month telephone counseling intervention using either a treatment counseling (TC) or symptom monitoring (SM) strategy. Health outcomes were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2).


RESULTS
At the 6-month followup, the mean AIMS2 Physical Function scale and AIMS2 Social Support scale scores were significantly improved (P < 0.05) for the TC group compared to the SM groups. The mean FSS score, AIMS2 Affect score, and AIMS2 Pain score were significantly improved (P < 0.05) for both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Telephone interventions, especially using the TC approach, can be effective for improving the functional status of persons with SLE.
Austin
J S
JS
Arthritis Foundation, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA.
Maisiak
R S
RS
Macrina
D M
DM
Heck
L W
LW
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013689:Telephone; D016896:Treatment Outcome