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BACKGROUNDSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and inflammatory disease and its control depends on adequate management of comorbidities, adoption of a healthy lifestyle and good adherence to treatment. The Waiting Room Project is a patient educational strategy that stimulates patients' autonomy in the management of the disease by teaching important aspects of self-care and treatment, through the elaboration and distribution of booklets. METHODSThis extension project, created in 2011, produced 17 booklets about different aspects of the disease and comorbidities, such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, sun protection, healthy food, oral health, vaccination, pregnancy and osteoporosis. In the years 2020/2021, the project focused on SLE treatment and scientific information about COVID-19. The booklets were written in lay language by medical students and rheumatology professors. The students have also been responsible for the graphic design of the booklets and the illustration and organization of the addressed topics in order to provide more accessible and understandable information. The material is handed out to the patients, while they wait for their medical appointment, by the students and care team, who explain the main topics and answer any questions that may come up. A total of 700 lupus patients, currently under treatment at the university hospital, are involved.