Patient education and self-management programs in arthritis

■ Arthritis self-management programs (ASMPs) are integrated jnto many clinical practice guidelines and policies, and are the core business of Arthritis Foundations. ■ Australian Arthritis Foundations are embarking on a National Quality Assurance Program which should raise awareness and improve confidence in such programs. ■ ASMPs aim to empower people, improve quality of life while living with chronic disease, increase healthy activities and improve self-monitoring - each of which can assist with clinical management, but can be difficult to evaluate. ■ Although there is modest high-quality evidence of traditional "clinical outcomes" from ASMPs, these programs are strongly endorsed by consumers, are being used as a vehicle for healthcare reform, and have the potential to substantially improve public health. ■ Coordinated national delivery of patient education programs has the potential to improve healthcare and outcomes for people with arthritis.