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Practice Guideline
. 2021 Oct;80(10):1278-1285.
doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220249. Epub 2021 May 7.

2021 EULAR recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritis

Elena Nikiphorou  1   2 , Eduardo José Ferreira Santos #  3   4 , Andrea Marques #  3   4 , Peter Böhm  5 , Johannes Wj Bijlsma  6 , Claire Immediato Daien  7 , Bente Appel Esbensen  8   9 , Ricardo J O Ferreira  3   4 , George E Fragoulis  10 , Pat Holmes  11 , Hayley McBain  12 , George S Metsios  13   14 , Rikke Helene Moe  15 , Tanja A Stamm  16 , Annette de Thurah  17   18 , Condruta Zabalan  19 , Loreto Carmona  20 , Ailsa Bosworth  21
Affiliations
Practice Guideline

2021 EULAR recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritis

Elena Nikiphorou et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Background: An important but often insufficient aspect of care in people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) is empowering patients to acquire a good understanding of their disease and building their ability to deal effectively with the practical, physical and psychological impacts of it. Self-management skills can be helpful in this regard.

Objectives: To develop recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in IA.

Methods: A multidisciplinary taskforce of 18 members from 11 European countries was convened. A systematic review and other supportive information (survey of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patient organisations) were used to formulate the recommendations.

Results: Three overarching principles and nine recommendations were formulated. These focused on empowering patients to become active partners of the team and to take a more proactive role. The importance of patient education and key self-management interventions such as problem solving, goal setting and cognitive behavioural therapy were highlighted. Role of patient organisations and HCPs in promoting and signposting patients to available resources has been highlighted through the promotion of physical activity, lifestyle advice, support with mental health aspects and ability to remain at work. Digital healthcare is essential in supporting and optimising self-management and the HCPs need to be aware of available resources to signpost patients.

Conclusion: These recommendations support the inclusion of self-management advice and resources in the routine management of people with IA and aim to empower and support patients and encourage a more holistic, patient-centred approach to care which could result in improved patient experience of care and outcomes.

Keywords: ankylosing; arthritis; health care; outcome assessment; psoriatic; rheumatoid; spondylitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: EN reports personal fees and other from AbbVie, Eli-Lilly, Gilead, Celltrion and Pfizer and other from Sanofi, outside the submitted work. JWJB reports personal fees from Roche, Lilly and Galapagos, outside the submitted work. CID reports personal fees and other from AbbVie, Abivax, BMS, Fresenius, Galapagos, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche-Chugaï and Sanofi, outside the submitted work. BAE has received speaking fees from Pfizer and Eli Lilly. RJOF reports personal fees from Sanofi and UCB, outside the submitted work. GEF reports honoraria from UCB and Aenorasis, outside the submitted work. TAS has received grant/research support from AbbVie and Roche, has been consultant for AbbVie and Sanofi Genzyme and has been a paid speaker for AbbVie, Roche, Sanofi and Takeda. EJFS, AM, PB, PH, HM, GSM, RHM, AdT, CZ, LC and AB report no conflicts of interest.

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