The training patient in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

The patient-partner concept (PPP) involves patients with chronic illnesses acting as patient-teachers for professionals particularly medical students. In the context of training medical interns in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to what extent is the contribution of patient trainers superior to or complementary to conventional teaching by a professor of medicine? The aim of this study was to compare the impact of training by patient trainers and conventional teachers on the development of knowledge and optimal management of JIA. The evaluation of the different parameters of knowledge of JIA of the two groups: training physician and training patient after training was similar in almost all parameters. However positive features were observed in the patient trainer group in relation to the patients' testimonials encouraging this concept.