Evaluation of a rheumatoid arthritis patient education program: impact on knowledge and self-efficacy

We have evaluated the effects of an education program on the knowledge and self-efficacy of 51 rheumatoid arthritis patients, using two previously validated questionnaires. At completion of the program, both knowledge and self-efficacy were significantly improved and this was maintained at follow-up. However, there was no correlation between knowledge and self-efficacy at baseline and follow-up, suggesting that these variables improved independently of each other. We conclude that education programs are a worthwhile means of improving the non-medical causes of morbidity in rheumatoid arthritis patients and that the two instruments utilized are a valuable means of both demonstrating effectiveness and quality assurance.