Effect of Patient Follow-Up System on the Treatment Compliance of Osteoporotic Patients and on Quality of Life

Objective: Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that can take a long time to treat and is an important public health issue since it increases the risk of fractures and it has negative effects on quality of life with its social, psychological, economic and physical dimensions. It was aimed to evaluate the effect of patient follow-up program on drug compliance and quality of life. Materials and Methods: This study included 233 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis and the study was continued with 200 patients (173 females with postmenopausal osteoporosis, 27 males with senile osteoporosis). Patients were divided into 3 groups as daily, weekly and monthly follow-up groups. Patients were called by telephone with the help of patient follow-up program. Monthly Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) was calculated. Qualeffo-41 quality of life data were assessed at baseline, at the 3rd and 6th months. Results: From the baseline within 6 months, MPR levels were significantly increased in all groups (p<0.05). Monthly follow-up group was found the most compatible group compared to others. Significant changes in quality of life were observed (p<0.05). Conclusions: Dose intervals, especially long dose interval regimens and patient drug reminder programs are highly effective on compliance and quality of life would be better as the compliance increases. It should be bear in mind that if treatment incompliance occurs it may lead to medical harms and economical losses. (Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis 2014;20: 46-50

Expert opinion and key recommendations for the physical therapy and rehabilitation of patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Aim: Physiotherapy is an integral part of the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and there is a need for recommendations which focus on the rehabilitation of patients with AS. We aimed to develop recommendations for the physical therapy and rehabilitation of patients with AS based on the evidence and expertise. Methods: The Anatolian Group for the Assessment in Rheumatic Diseases (ANGARD) is a scientific group of Turkish academicians (physiatrists and rheumatologists) who are experts in the rehabilitation of patients with AS. A systematic literature search summarizing the current available physiotherapy and rehabilitation trials in AS were presented to the experts before a special 2-day meeting. Experts attending this meeting first defined a framework based on the main principles and thereafter collectively constructed six major recommendations on physiotherapy and rehabilitation in AS. After the meeting an email survey was conducted to rate the strength of the recommendations. Results: Six key recommendations which cover the general principles of rehabilitation in AS in terms of early intervention, initial and follow-up assessments and monitoring, contraindications and precautions, key advice for physiotherapy methods and exercise were constructed. Conclusion: These recommendations were developed using evidence-based data and expert opinion. The implementation of these recommendations should encourage a more comprehensive and methodical approach in the rehabilitation of patients with AS. Regular lifelong exercise is the mainstay of rehabilitation and there is a considerable need for well-designed studies which will enlighten the role of physical therapy in the management of AS