The impacts of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are multifaceted, and patients with RA must live with this disease for more than 40 years. Self-management plays an important role for patients living with RA, however, there are limited instruments available for measuring self-management behavior in Taiwan. The present study will develop an RA self-management behavior scale. Three phases will be conducted over a 2-year period. The details are outlined in the following sections. Phase-1: Develop a self-management behavior scale. First, we will conduct a systematic literature review to synthesize the important findings regarding RA self-management behavior. Next, qualitative interviews will be conducted with patients and healthcare experts to determine the scale items. Phase-2 (8-month timeline): Test the validity and reliability of the new scale. To test the new scale’s content, construct and convergent validity, and as well as internal consistency and test-retest reliability, a total of 100 patients living with RA will be recruited. Phase-3: Application of the new scale. Based on power analysis, we will recruit 135 patients with RA patients to test the new self-management behavior scale. Self-management plays an important role for patients living with RA, however, an instrument to measure their self-management behavior is limited in Taiwan; To fulfil these gaps, the present study will develop an RA self-management behavior scale based on multiple phases.

Authors:
Su-Hui Chen, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Su-Hui Chen is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Chang Gung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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