Publication
Title
The impact of a group-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on the quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia results from the QUALIFIBRO study
Author
Abstract
Background and Objective Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) have a substantially reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Their management should preferably focus on multidisciplinary nonpharmacological interventions. However, the long-term impact of such multicomponent therapies is not fully established. Waiting lists for patients seeking medical treatment are long, making individual-based approaches often unfeasible. The aim of our pragmatic study was to evaluate long-term HRQoL benefits of a comprehensive 8-week group-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation program focusing on patients' coping ability and self-care. Methods A total of 94 patients with clinically confirmed FM agreed to participate in this study. Before entering the program based on group-based cognitive behavioral therapy and graded activity training, patients completed questionnaires to screen for comorbidities. Health-related quality of life was assessed at the start, at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey instrument. Changes in HRQoL scores were analyzed according to linear mixed regression modeling. Results Baseline findings confirmed the substantially low physical and mental HRQoL in FM patients as well as high levels of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Only 2 patients left the program prematurely; 89% participated in the 1-year assessment. By the end of the program, HRQoL was significantly improved in all domains. This effect was maintained at 6 months and 1 year for all subscales. Changes at 1 year were greater in younger patients and those with depressive feelings before the start of treatment. Conclusions Our group-based program offered to FM patients proved successful with significant improvements in their HRQoL both in the short and long term.
Language
English
Source (journal)
JCR: journal of clinical rheumatology : practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases .. - Baltimore, MD
Publication
Baltimore, MD : 2020
ISSN
1076-1608
DOI
10.1097/RHU.0000000000001120
Volume/pages
26 :8 (2020) , p. 313-319
ISI
000595474400022
Pubmed ID
31232906
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 05.01.2021
Last edited 02.10.2024
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