2021 EULAR recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritis
(Part 5)
We are continuing this week our discussion on the results of the meeting of the task force regarding the practices for the implementation of self-management strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA).
There is a lot of best practice examples, which include self-management resources to help IA patients.
Aside from practical advice and physical support, patient organisations are able to provide support for mental health issues, which may arise in IA patients.
Healthcare professionals (HCP) need to take responsibility for addressing these issues among people living with IA in coordination with patient organizations.
The task force understands that there is a variation that exists both in healthcare delivery and the resources that patient organisations can offer in some countries especially in Europe where the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) is based.
In some countries such as the United Kingdom, patient organisations invite HCPs to become medical advisors to the organization and also provide free membership to all HCPs.
The medical advisors frequently contribute articles to medical periodicals and to patient-related campaigns, educational activities and others.
A close relationship exists between the HCP and the organizations, which is encouraging cross-talk and collaboration for the benefit to patients.
The EULAR task force recommends the following in order to strengthen the self-management strategies used by IA patients.
HCPs should urge patients to become active partners. The HCP should help patients to be more aware of all the aspects of the care methodology for IA.
In order for patients to take a more active role in their health, it is important that patients are introduced to all members of the multi disciplinary team involved in all aspects of their disease.
Patient organizations should provide an invaluable source of information and resources to support patients.
It has been detected that there is a general lack of awareness of the self-management resources being provided by many patient organisations.
Some IA patients already engage in self-management and they periodically reach out to patient organisations for support.
We will continue next week our discussion on the role of support groups and organizations to help patients in the self-management of IA.