Effectiveness of the online self management training Reuma Uitgedaagd! for adults with a rheumatic disease

Rheuma is a chronic disease that has a major impact on daily life. Rheumatism can have negative effects on well-being and functioning. This affects major life choices such as family, leisure, work and pregnancy. Rheumatism also calls for changes in behavior, such as taking medication and exercise. To guide and enhance self management in adults with a rheumatic disease is an important part of the treatment. UMC Utrecht has developed, in collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation, an online self-management training (Reuma Uitgedaagd!) for adults with a rheumatic disease. Recently, an usability study is carried out to investigate the feasibility and content of the online training. The next step is to investigate the effectiveness of the online self management training. The purpose of the online self management training Reuma Uitgedaagd! is getting and keeping control over living with rheumatism. The training takes place at home via the computer. The participant is supervised by a trainer who also has rheumatism. The trainer is trained by UMC Utrecht and a training agency (Work21) to guide the participants during the training. The participant has two months to finish the training. The training consists nine modules. Each module has its own theme, such as rheuma, the treatment of rheumatism, self-management skills, body and feelings, family, interaction with the environment, exercise, work and looking forward. All modules consist an introduction text where the purpose of the module is illustrated. In the reading part of the module is the topic explained. In the exercises part the participant can do practical exercises about the theme. In the 'more reading and more exercises part' has the participant the choice to read more information or to do an exercise. The first three modules and the last module are required. The other modules are optional, depending on the needs and goals of the participant. The participant set goals with the help of the trainer prior to the start of the training. During the training, there are three chats between the trainer and the participant. At the forum the participants can share experiences with each other. The training takes 4-9 hours to complete (one hour per module).

The objective is to study the effectiveness of the online self management training Reuma Uitgedaagd! voor adults with a rheumatic disease.

T0 - before randomisation

T1 - 1 month after randomisation

T2 - 2 months after randomisation

T3 - 3 months after randomisation

T4 - 4 months after randomisation

T5 - 5 months after randomisation

T6 - 6 months after randomisation

The control and intervention group will receive usual care. The intervention group follows the online selfmanagement training.