Fatigue in Lupus Intervention Programmes (FLIP)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease. Patients report that fatigue has a significant impact on their quality of life but is often not discussed in healthcare settings. Fatigue is more prevalent in SLE than other Rheumatic diseases. Management across the NHS is very variable ranging from a booklet to one to one appointments or, less often, a group intervention. Previous studies in other Rheumatic diseases have shown that a group cognitive behavioural approach can be effective in helping patients manage their fatigue. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way healthcare is delivered in the NHS . Healthcare professionals had to find alternate solutions e.g. Virtual appointments. Our study aims to establish whether a virtual group Fatigue Management Programme and a fatigue booklet (Versus Arthritis and Lupus UK) is more effective at reducing the impact of fatigue in SLE participants than the fatigue booklet alone. The investigators will also compare a shortened 4-week to the standard 7-week programme to lessen the time commitment for participants and potentially reduce waiting times.The investigators will measure the effectiveness of the interventions through the use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) at several intervals whilst the participant is enrolled in the study.The pilot study will run in a single site in Edinburgh. The investigators aim to find a manageable, cost effective solution for the NHS and patients to address this frequently unmet need.