Educational interventions in the waiting room for patients with systemic sclerosis: a case series and experience report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.23170190.v33e239753Keywords:
Patient Education as Topic, Scleroderma, Systemic, Waiting Rooms, Patient Care Team, Occupational TherapyAbstract
Objective: To describe the implementation of educational interventions for SSc patients in the waiting room setting, and qualitatively asses their mid-term impact on patients’ daily-life activities. Method: In this case series, patients with SSc attending a tertiary rheumatology outpatient clinic were invited to participate in brief (30-minute) educational sessions conducted during their waiting time. They addressed topics included therapeutic exercises, joint protection and energy conservation techniques, and use of assistive devices. Educational booklets covering SSc manifestations and self-care strategies were distributed. Six months post-intervention, a random sample of patients was interviewed to qualitatively evaluate the changes in daily routines and disease understanding. Results: Thirty-six patients (mean SSc duration: 13 ± 9 years), with frequent systemic involvement (86%) and hand disability (89%) were included. They actively participated and presented good acceptance of the interventions. Sixteen patients were interviewed post-intervention. All reported that the sessions improved their understanding and ability to cope with the disease, and 14 (87.5%) reported adopting changes in their daily routines based on the guidelines received. Conclusions: Patient education interventions in the waiting room are a low-cost, effective, and well-accepted approach to providing patient health education.
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