Study designs of evaluations included in the review
All controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials were eligible for inclusion. The included trials were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised controlled trials and uncontrolled trials (pre-test post-test design).
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of the application of psychoeducational interventions for the treatment of osteoarthritis were eligible for the review. The included studies investigated a wide variety of interventions, settings, participants, and so on. These included: slide/tape programmes, educational booklets, yoga and relaxation, group reinforcement and information sharing, home visits, and education, clinic visits and education, telephone calls, and formal rehabilitation using multiple interventions such as education, cognitive-behavioural interventions and social support.
Participants included in the review
Studies of patients with osteoarthritis were eligible for the review. Some of the included studies evaluated specifically overweight individuals, individuals on low incomes or who lived in inner cities, and community-dwelling adults, as well as those with site-specific osteoarthritis. Studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, or a mix of patients with either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, were mentioned briefly in the review but were not incorporated in the systematic evaluation.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Outcome measures were not specified as inclusion criteria for the review. The included studies assessed physical and psychosocial outcomes, pain levels and disease knowledge.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.