A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychoeducational Intervention to Improve Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Studies have shown that patient self-efficacy in disease management and social support predict physical and mental health and disease activity in lupus. We wished to study the relationships among patient/partner communication, social support, and self-efficacy as they influence patient health longitudinally. We are randomizing 150 lupus patients and their partners to either (1) participate in a counseling intervention to improve self-efficacy, partner support, and patient/partner problem-solving in lupus management or (2) see an informational film about lupus (control). The counseling intervention includes an initial in-person session followed by five monthly telephone calls to monitor and reinforce problem-solving. We will follow patients for 12 months for self-reported physical and mental health, disease activity, self-efficacy, coping, social support, and couples communication.