Living with arthritis - what is important?

Purpose: Demonstrating the effectiveness of health care interventions requi res valid measurement of the impact of those interventions. However, outlin ing precisely what constitutes a 'good outcome' in the field of rehabilitat ion is no easy task and tends to rely on models proposed by 'experts' rathe r than people with the disabling conditions. This paper describes a study e xploring outcomes that those people with a disabling condition (arthritis) consider important. Method: A qualitative study, interviewing 10 women with rheumatoid arthriti s was carried out. The narratives were explored for categories and themes t hat encapsulated the perspective of the participants. Results: A range of categories was identified and collated into five themes (personal/intrinsic factors, external/extrinsic factors, future issues, pe rceptions of normality and taking charge). Conclusions: The research supports in part, but also challenges more common ly used models of understanding the important consequences of disease and d isability. The findings of the study may assist health professionals to ref lect on current practice and reconsider processes used, and outcomes aimed for, in light of what patients/clients consider important.