Arthritis Self Management:  Program pioneer provides workshops

Dr. Kate Lorig, a well-respected researcher and pioneer in arthritis education, was welcomed to Fredericton by The Arthritis Society, New Brunswick Division in April. In 1979 she and her team at Stanford University developed the Arthritis Self Management Program (ASMP). The ASMP has helped hundreds of thousands people around the world with arthritis and fibromyalgia to better manage their condition and control pain.

Dr. Lorig’s team also developed the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, along with the Positive Self-Management Program for HIV/AIDS and the Back Pain Self-Management Program. She has authored several books and over 70 scientific papers about arthritis, chronic disease, health education, and behavioural science.

The New Brunswick Division invited Dr. Lorig to provide a full-day refresher workshop for ASMP Leaders. She not only fulfilled this request but also provided a presentation for health professionals on the differences between traditional patient education and self-management, and also gave a public presentation on Managing Arthritis – Breaking the Pain Cycle.

All sessions were well attended and enthusiastically received. On a snowy New Brunswick day over 70 health professionals and 80 members of the public gathered to hear her presentations. ASMP Leaders had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Lorig about current issues with the ASMP, ask questions and brainstorm innovative solutions to problems with programming.

One of the strengths of Dr. Lorig's presentations is that she simplifies the information she provides to others. As an example, she says, “the main concern about exercise and arthritis is ……not exercising”, and “if you are sore after exercise – do less the next time………”

Kate Lorig continues to work to improve and upgrade the ASMP, and a new and updated, “Arthritis Helpbook” and “Leaders Program Manual,” is expected next year. She is also working on Internet self management programs. Watch for new innovative programs on her website: lorig@stanford.edu

For more information on the ASMP or to register, please call The Arthritis Society at 1-800-321-1433.

Mary Brachaniec is a CAPA member, Arthritis Self Management Program Leader, and Chair of the New Brunswick Education Committee of The Arthritis Society.