The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #35027

Nancy Claiborne, PhD, ACSW, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY, 135 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, 518 442-5349, nc@albany.edu

Objectives: Women are disproportionately diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and approximately 30 percent of individuals diagnosed with FMS result in disability, not able to work due to chronic, unrelenting symptoms.¹ This study evaluated the effectiveness of an outpatient FMS program, provided by a masters level social worker and occupational therapist, in enhancing physical functioning and improving quality of life.

Methods: This quasi-experimental, pre-post group comparison design measured 30 participants' changes over a six-month period of time. The SF-36 measured physical and emotional functioning.² A program questionnaire examined pain levels, physical activities, self-care adherence, and healthcare utilization. Program patients were compared with eligible patients not admitted due to insurance reimbursement denial.

Results: Independent Samples t-test baseline evaluations revealed no significant differences between the two groups. Thus, patient characteristics were essentially similar, allowing program effectiveness generalizations to be made.³ Six-month evaluations revealed significant differences between the groups. The program group showed increased hours worked, decreased sleep disturbance, increased frequency of using correct body mechanics, and decreased physician visits. The program group also significantly increased SF-36 scores in physical and social functioning domains.

Conclusions: The program effectively improved social integration, indicating participants experienced greater participation and membership in the community, attributing to enhancing emotional well-being due to the presence of psychosocial supports.4 It also effectively improved physical functioning, indicating participants experienced greater ability and ease in performing daily activities, increasing their independence, thus enhancing well-being.4 Additionally, increased hours worked, increased self-care adherence, and reduced healthcare utilization were attributed to program effectiveness.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Attendees will know the psychosocial issues experienced by women diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome.
• 2. Attendees will be able to identify aspects of the outpatient treatment program for fibromyalgia syndrome effectively improving participants' functioning, quality of life, adherence to self-care, and reduced healthcare utilization.
• 3. Attendees will be able to identify program implications for policymakers and managed care entities.

Keywords: Women's Quality Care, Outcomes Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.