While family and friends of people living with arthritis have been identified as key sources of support, little research has been done on the specific role and impact of their support. Research suggests the well-being of patients with arthritis suffers when their spouses don't understand what support they need. Through interviews and focus groups, Allen Lehman is identifying the types of support that arthritis patients want and need from family and friends. He is also identifying ways to increase positive support and assessing how support improves health and reduces health care costs. Lehman will use the results to develop a health education program for arthritis patients and their family and friends. Ultimately, Lehman hopes this research will provide a model for identifying support needs in people with other chronic illness. Completed award term, August 2004 Received 2007 MSFHR Trainee Award
Read Allen Lehman’s 2007 Trainee profile
Back to 2001 Research Trainee Awards
Research Area
Population Health
University/Institution
University of British Columbia
Research Location
Faculty/Department
Education / Educational Studies
Supervisor
Professor John Esdaile, Medicine/Rheumatology & Professor Daniel Pratt, Education/Educational Studies