title: Feasibility of an online and a face-to-face version of a self-management program for young adults with a rheumatic disease: experiences of young adults and peer leaders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Based on the self-efficacy theory, an online and a face-to-face self-management programs 'Challenge your Arthritis' for young adults with a rheumatic disease have recently been developed. These two courses are led by young peer leaders. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of the online and face-to-face self-management program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Feasibility was evaluated on items of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user-acceptance, and adherence to both programs in young adults and peer leaders. Additional analyses of interactions on the e-Health applications, discussion board and chat board, were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-two young adults with a diagnosed rheumatic disease participated in the study: 12 young adults followed the online program and 10 followed the face-to-face program. Both programs appeared to be feasible, especially in dealing with problems in daily life, and the participants indicated the time investment as 'worthwhile'. In using the online program, no technical problems occurred. Participants found the program easy to use, user friendly, and liked the 'look and feel' of the program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both the online and the face-to-face versions of a self-management program. 'Challenge your arthritis' were found to be feasible and well appreciated by young adults with a rheumatic disease. Because these programs are likely to be a practical aid to health practices, a randomized controlled study to investigate the effects on patient outcomes is planned.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. j.ammerlaan@umcutrecht.nl.
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ammerlaan
authors.forename: Harmieke
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van Os-Medendorp
authors.forename: Lieske
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scholtus
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Vos
authors.forename: Matthijs
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zwier
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bijlsma
authors.forename: Aike A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Kruize
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003256:Community Participation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010379:Peer Group; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult