Construction of a support system for developing self-management ability of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24792479
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Clinical nursing
• Research Institution: Kurume University
• Principal Investigator: KUSABA TOMOKO 久留米大学, 医学部, 講師 (60368967)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 早期関節リウマチ / 自己管理行動 / リウマチケア看護師

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study is aimed at obtaining ideas for the development of a support system to help patients with early phase rheumatoid arthritis cultivate the skills needed for self-management behavior. We conducted an interview and questionnaire survey of RA patients in the early phase of the disease (less than one year from onset) to determine their actual awareness and behavior regarding self-management and their psychological condition. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of nurses certified by the Japan Rheumatism Foundation as registered rheumatic care nurses to better understand the actual state of support provided to early-phase RA patients and their families, difficulties the rheumatic care nurses felt, and issues to be addressed in the future.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

RAは発症後2年以内に関節破壊が最も急速に進行することが報告されており、RAの早期診断・早期治療が重要となる。近年のRAの治療体系の変化に伴い、2010年に日本リウマチ財団の登録リウマチケア看護師制度が発足し10年となるが、これまでに早期RA患者・家族に対する看護支援の実態について明らかにした研究はなかった。本研究により、発症早期のRA患者・家族が早期から適切な自己管理行動を遂行できるようにするための支援の方法や課題を見出すことができたことは、今後のリウマチケアの質の向上につながると考える。