Evaluation of a Therapeutic Education Program on Self-image in Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases
This study is investigating whether educational programs can help people with ongoing inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis feel more positive about their body image and self-esteem. Long-term health conditions can sometimes change how people see themselves, and while there are many educational programs for patients, few specifically focus on self-image for those with these joint conditions. We want to see if special workshops, similar to successful ones used in cancer or obesity care, can make a real difference for people with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD). Participants will share their experiences through questionnaires and interviews to help us understand the program's impact.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Living with a long-term health condition, especially one that affects your joints and body as many rheumatic diseases do, can sometimes change how you feel about yourself. Your body might look or feel different due to the illness or the treatments you need, and this can affect your confidence and how you see your own body.
This study is looking into whether a special kind of educational program, called 'therapeutic patient education,' can help people with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) feel better about their self-image. These diseases include conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthritis. While many educational programs help people manage their illness, very few specifically focus on helping patients deal with feelings about their self-image and body.
We know from studies in other areas, like cancer or supporting people with obesity, that these kinds of programs can be really helpful. This research aims to find out if offering similar workshops, designed specifically for people with long-term joint conditions, can improve how they feel about themselves. Participants will be asked about their experiences before and after taking part in these educational sessions.
Key takeaways
- The study explores if special education helps people with long-term joint conditions feel better about themselves.
- It focuses on improving self-image and body perception.
- Participation involves questionnaires and possibly an interview, not new medications.
- It's for people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or spondyloarthritis.
- The goal is to improve quality of life and confidence for patients.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must have a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or spondyloarthritis. You also need to be willing to take part in the standard patient education program offered by the hospital or clinic.
There are a few reasons why someone couldn't join. You can't take part if you don't speak or read French, as the study materials are in French. Also, if you are currently pregnant, you wouldn't be able to join this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (like rheumatoid arthritis)?
- Are you able to speak and read French?
- Are you currently pregnant? (If yes, you cannot participate.)
- Are you willing to regularly attend patient education sessions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would first need to be participating in the standard therapeutic patient education program offered by your healthcare team. The study itself would involve completing questionnaires about your self-image and possibly taking part in an interview. These assessments would help us understand how you feel before and after the educational program. There are no new medications involved in this study, and the overall time commitment would be related to completing the questionnaires and the interview, in addition to your participation in the regular education program. The total duration of your participation in the study would depend on when these assessments are scheduled around the education program.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Hôpital Cochin - Service de rhumatologie -27 rue du Faubourg St JacquesVerified postcodeParis, France
Common questions
What is 'therapeutic patient education'?
It's a program designed to help you understand and manage your health condition better, so you can live well with it.
What are 'chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases'?
These are long-term conditions that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints, like rheumatoid arthritis.
Will I have to take new medicine?
No, this study does not involve any new medicines. It focuses on an educational program.
How long will the study last for me?
The study part involves completing questionnaires and maybe an interview, which will be scheduled around your participation in the regular education program.
What if I change my mind about participating?
You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Marie Laure TOURNEUR, Therapeutic education nurse
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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