What Is Relatives' Role in Arthritis Management? A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions of Patient-Relative Dyads.

The results show the wide-ranging role of relatives in practical and emotional support, the complexity of patient-relative interactions regarding requests for help, their relationship and ability to share difficulties. This study gives indications about how to include relatives in TPE programs and emphasizes the importance of developing interventions for patient-relative dyads regarding the practical and emotional management of the disease, as well as interactions concerning help. Those interventions should enhance patients and relatives' quality of life.