Evaluation of a Patient Education Program for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Evaluation of a Patient Education Program for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Long term disease management is essential for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a chronic progressive systemic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton. Extensive information about the disease is a necessary first step. An education program for AS was implemented to improve inpatient medical rehabilitation. In a controlled quasi-experimental multicentric study the efficacy of this program was analysed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) according to modified New York Criteria
• Early diagnosis criteria for AS
• ESSG Criteria for Spondyloarthritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of malignant disease during past five years
• Secondary fibromyalgia syndrome
• Group integration deficiencies
• Seminar repeaters