Tablet-based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Older Adults With Arthritis Fatigue

Tablet-based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention: Comparison of Group vs. Individual CBT Education

The purpose of this project is to pilot test a long-term effect of Tab-G (tablet-based cognitive behavioral group education intervention). The investigators will evaluate the effect of Tab-G, relative to usual care group, on (a) daily steps, (b) fatigue level, (c) self-efficacy and (d) quality of life.

Tab-G participants will receive 4 weekly CBT-based group education focusing on shared goal setting and mutual reinforcement in a group with 5 members. The outcomes will be measured baseline, week 4 (intervention completion) and week 8 (follow-up). The investigators hypothesize that older adults receiving Tab-G will have greater improvements on outcomes compared to those receiving usual care at week 4, the intervention completion and at week 8 follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis;
2. presence of greater than minimal fatigue scoring ≥13 (T-score>55) on the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Short Form (SF) v1.0-Fatigue 6a; and
3. having Wi-Fi at home

Exclusion Criteria:

1. currently engaging in regular exercise;
2. non-ambulatory or presence of a condition that would limit the ability to walk (e.g., foot deformity, lower extremity joint surgery in past 6 months, stroke, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.); and
3. delirium, dementia, or any conditions indicating deteriorating cognitive status as determined by the Mini-Cog.