There are
different kinds of arthritis, widely spread among the population,
that make them a clinical problem with social, psychological and
economic burden. Different education programs have been developed
in order to improve patients’ disease management, medication compliance
and from there patients’ quality of life.
Objective: To develop and implement a community pharmacy-based
educational program for patients with arthritis. Improvements
in pain, medication compliance, decrease in general practitioner’s
visits and hospitalizations are expected.
Methods: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. The sample
consisted of 43 individuals, with different stages of arthritis
(aged 15 - 71), attending pharmacies – intervention group; and
43 individuals – control group. A 4-month education was conducted
on the following topics: what causes arthritis and what are the
factors that can intensify it; pain management and physical activities;
self-management and prevention; pharmacotherapy and possible adverse
drug reactions. Patient's health-related quality of life was assessed
in the beginning and at the end of the survey.
Results: Parameters assessed during the four stages of the program
were: frequency of severe pain, frequency of general practitioner’s
visits, frequency of urgent medical aid calls, compliance with
therapy, satisfaction with pharmacy services. Improvement in patients’
health-related quality of life was observed and also: decrease
in the severity of patients’ pain, decrease in the physician’s
visits, and increase in satisfaction overall care.
Conclusions: Positive results from the educational approach in
pharmacy conditions were demonstrated. These consequences have
a potential to increase arthritis patient’s quality of life.
