Improving the quality of rheumatoid arthritis patients' education using written information

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the quality of patient education could be improved by using written education materials.

Seventy-five inpatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were provided with individual education sessions during their inpatient stay. The education sessions were supported with written educational materials. A patient education quality instrument was used to assess the sufficiency and implementation of the education and the readiness of nurses and doctors to deliver the education. A Mann-Whitney U-test and content analysis was used to analyse the data.

There was a statistically significant difference in the sufficiency of education concerning the disease, medication and treatment after the revised material was introduced (p < 0.005). The quality of interaction improved significantly during the intervention (p = 0.004). The strengths of the education included individual treatment, two-way interaction, the opportunity to receive patient education and its sufficiency.

Clear, readable and understandable written education material improved the quality of the education of RA patients in terms of implementation, sufficiency and the readiness of nurses and doctors to deliver the education.