Efficacy of Therapeutic Education for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Biologics

Abstract

Introduction: We aimed to assess the effects of a patient therapeutic education (PTE) programme on the course of the disease and treatment management skills in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with biologics.

Methods: From January to December 2023, 52 RA patients participated in a face-to-face education session of 1 h, delivered to groups of four to six patients by 2 rheumatologists qualified in PTE. Disease activity, quality of life parameters and patient's skills using the BioSecure score were assessed before the education programme and 3 months later.

Results: A statistically significant decrease in mean pain visual Analogue Scale (p = 0.001), mean morning stiffness duration (p = 0.002), mean number of night awakenings (p = 0.01), mean tender joints count (p = 0.001) and mean 28-Disease-activity-score (p = 0.001) were observed 3 months after the PTE. A statistically significant decrease in functional status (HAQ) and fatigue scores (FACIT-F) was observed after PTE (p = 0.03 and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean BioSecure score climbed from 47.9 ± 14.9 at baseline to 74.8 ± 12.9 after PTE (p = 0.001). The variation of BioSecure score was significantly more important in patients with third-level education, patients receiving subcutaneous biotherapy and those on TNF alpha inhibitors therapy.

Conclusion: PTE may be effective in improving clinical outcomes and safety skills in RA patients receiving biological treatment.

Keywords: biological treatment; rheumatoid arthritis; therapeutic education.