Therapeutic Education for Safer Rheumatologic Care: A Scoping Review to Map Evidence on Infection Prevention.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Health Education

Background:

• Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) treated with Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) have a higher risk of infections.
• Therapeutic education is a potential strategy to enhance preventive behaviors, but its impact needs clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on the role of therapeutic education in infection prevention for RMD patients on DMARDs.
• To identify benefits, limitations, and clinical relevance of these educational interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science) from 1990-2024.
• Inclusion of studies on adult RMD patients receiving DMARDs and therapeutic education.
• Adherence to the PRISMA-ScR framework for the review process.

Main Results:

• Only 4 studies met inclusion criteria, emphasizing preventive behaviors for infection risk reduction.
• Therapeutic education improved patient awareness and adherence, particularly with multidisciplinary support.
• Barriers like low health literacy and socioeconomic factors limited effectiveness and access.

Conclusions:

• Limited evidence exists on the specific impact of therapeutic education on infection prevention in DMARD-treated RMD patients.
• Digital tools and telemedicine show promise for improving access and adherence, especially for underserved populations.
• Further research is needed for standardized, inclusive, and interdisciplinary educational strategies, incorporating digital solutions.