Abstract
Objective: Over the last decade, the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has changed considerably. Biologic agents, in particular, have greatly improved the quality of life of RA patients. However, there are many effective drugs in general use; therefore, RA patients may not obtain correct information regarding the treatment and care of this condition. At the request of the Gifu prefecture branch of the Japan Rheumatism Friendship Association, we have held this annual lecture at the university hospital since 2008. The meeting is held in April every year. At the fourth meeting this year, we evaluated the proceedings and the opinions of the participants.
Results: The number of participants for each year from 2008 to 2011 was 100, 75, 90, and 75, respectively. The lectures were presented by a rheumatologist, a clinical laboratory technologist, a pharmaceutical chemist, a social welfare counselor, and a clinical nurse specializing in rheumatology. Questionnaires about the meeting were evaluated, which revealed the various opinions of the participants. Positive opinions included the following: The lectures helped me to resolve my concerns about drugs for RA. I will endeavor to maintain a positive attitude after talking to the other RA patients. On the other hand, some participants found the content of the lectures difficult to understand.
Conclusion: We will continue to conduct informative meetings to educate RA patients. We believe that these activities will help RA patients to improve their quality of life.
