The internet‐based arthritis self‐management program: A one‐year randomized trial for patients with arthritis or fibromyalgia

Objective To determine the efficacy of an Internet‐based Arthritis Self‐Management Program (ASMP) as a resource for arthritis patients unable or unwilling to attend small‐group ASMPs, which have proven effective in changing health‐related behaviors and improving health status measures. Methods Randomized intervention participants were compared with usual care controls at 6 months and 1 year using repeated‐measures analyses of variance. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia and Internet and e‐mail access (n = 855) were randomized to an intervention (n = 433) or usual care control (n = 422) group. Measures included 6 health status variables (pain, fatigue, activity limitation, health distress, disability, and self‐reported global health), 4 health behaviors (aerobic exercise, stretching and strengthening exercise, practice of stress management, and communication with physicians), 5 utilization variables (physician visits, emergency room visits, chiropractic visits, physical therapist visits, and nights in hospital), and self‐efficacy. Results At 1 year, the intervention group significantly improved in 4 of 6 health status measures and self‐efficacy. No significant differences in health behaviors or health care utilization were found. Conclusion The Internet‐based ASMP proved effective in improving health status measures at 1 year and is a viable alternative to the small‐group ASMP.