Nurse-supervised education of patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux

Patient educational programs supervised by non-physicians are becoming popular, but comparison of their effect on outcome with that of physician teaching is limited. We developed a nurse-supervised class for patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Primary physicians referred patients to the program. The patient's initial knowledge and the program's excellent cognitive effect were unrelated to demographic and symptom data. One hundred twelve consecutive patients were alternately given appointments either with the class or with a gastroenterologist. Although failed appointments and inappropriate referrals excluded some patients, the remainder of the two groups were similar with regard to demographic and symptom data and their return rate of follow-up questionnaires. They reported equivalent symptomatic improvement and therapeutic compliance after 2 weeks and 2 months. The program's success prompts us to continue this form of patient education.