Randomized Controlled Trial of Patient Education Tools for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Effectiveness of a novel digital patient education programme to support self-management of early rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel digital patient education (PE) programme in improving self-management in patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

This was a parallel, open-label, two-armed, randomized controlled trial with superiority design. Patients from five rheumatology clinics were randomized into digital PE (intervention) or face-to-face PE (control). The primary outcome was self-efficacy, measured by average difference in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Efficacy (RASE) score from baseline to month 12. Secondary outcomes were RA knowledge, health literacy, adherence and quality of life. Healthcare utilization data and digital PE programme usage were recorded. Self-efficacy, knowledge and health literacy data were analysed using mixed-effects repeated measures modelling; adherence using logistic regression, and quality of life and healthcare utilization using descriptive statistics with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

RESULTS

Of the 180 patients randomized (digital PE, n = 89; face-to-face PE, n = 91), 175 had data available for analysis. Median age was 59.0 years and 61% were women. The average difference in self-efficacy between groups from baseline to month 12 was significant by a -4.34 difference in RASE score, favouring the intervention group (95% CI: -8.17 to -0.51; P = 0.026). RA knowledge, health literacy and quality of life showed minor improvements over time but no difference between groups, except out-patient clinic contacts, which were fewer in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that digital PE is effective in improving self-efficacy and therefore self-management in patients with early RA. This intervention has potential to lower healthcare costs by decreasing out-patient clinic contacts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04669340.

Development and evaluation of shared decision-making tools in rheumatology: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Shared decision-making (SDM) tools are facilitators of decision-making through a collaborative process between patients/caregivers and clinicians. These tools help clinicians understand patient's perspectives and help patients in making informed decisions based on their preferences. Despite their usefulness for both patients and clinicians, SDM tools are not widely implemented in everyday practice. One barrier is the lack of clarity on the development and evaluation processes of these tools. Such processes have not been previously described in the field of rheumatology.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development and evaluation processes of shared decision-making (SDM) tools used in rheumatology.

METHODS

Bibliographic databases (e.g., EMBASE and CINAHL) were searched for relevant articles. Guidelines for the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews were followed. Studies included were: addressing SDM among adults in rheumatology, focusing on development and/or evaluation of SDM tool, full texts, empirical research, and in the English language.

RESULTS

Of the 2030 records screened, forty-six reports addressing 36 SDM tools were included. Development basis and evaluation measures varied across the studies. The most commonly reported development basis was the International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) criteria (19/36, 53 %). Other developmental foundations reported were: The Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) (6/36, 16 %), Informed Medical Decision Foundation elements (3/36, 8 %), edutainment principles (2/36, 5.5 %), and others (e.g. DISCERN and MARKOV Model) (9/31,29 %). The most commonly used evaluation measures were the Decisional Conflict Scale (18/46, 39 %), acceptability and knowledge (7/46, 15 %), and the preparation for decision-making scale (5/46,11 %).

CONCLUSION

For better quality and wider implementation of such tools, there is a need for detailed, transparent, systematic, and consistent reporting of development methods and evaluation measures. Using established checklists for reporting development and evaluation is encouraged.

Video-Based Educational Interventions for Patients With Chronic Illnesses: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

With rising time constraints, health care professionals increasingly depend on technology to provide health advice and teach patients how to manage chronic disease. The effectiveness of video-based tools in improving knowledge, health behaviors, disease severity, and health care use for patients with major chronic illnesses is not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the current literature regarding the efficacy of video-based educational tools for patients in improving process and outcome measures across several chronic illnesses.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using CINAHL and PubMed with predefined search terms. The search included studies published through October 2021. The eligible studies were intervention studies of video-based self-management patient education for an adult patient population with the following chronic health conditions: asthma, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic pain syndromes, diabetes, heart failure, HIV infection, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatologic disorders. The eligible papers underwent full extraction of study characteristics, study design, sample demographics, and results. Bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. Summary statistics were synthesized in Stata SE (StataCorp LLC). Data reporting was conducted per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist.

RESULTS

Of the 112 studies fully extracted, 59 (52.7%) were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. The majority of the included papers were superiority randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 39/59, 66%), with fewer pre-post studies (13/59, 22%) and noninferiority RCTs (7/59, 12%). The most represented conditions of interest were obstructive lung disease (18/59, 31%), diabetes (11/59, 19%), and heart failure (9/59, 15%). The plurality (28/59, 47%) of video-based interventions only occurred once and occurred alongside adjunct interventions that included printed materials, in-person counseling, and interactive modules. The most frequently studied outcomes were disease severity, health behavior, and patient knowledge. Video-based tools were the most effective in improving patient knowledge (30/40, 75%). Approximately half reported health behavior (21/38, 56%) and patient self-efficacy (12/23, 52%) outcomes were improved by video-based tools, and a minority of health care use (11/28, 39%) and disease severity (23/69, 33%) outcomes were improved by video-based tools. In total, 48% (22/46) of the superiority and noninferiority RCTs and 54% (7/13) of the pre-post trials had moderate or high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

There is robust evidence that video-based tools can improve patient knowledge across several chronic illnesses. These tools less consistently improve disease severity and health care use outcomes. Additional study is needed to identify features that maximize the efficacy of video-based interventions for patients across the spectrum of digital competencies to ensure optimized and equitable patient education and outcomes.

Researchers in rheumatology should avoid categorization of continuous predictor variables

BACKGROUND

Rheumatology researchers often categorize continuous predictor variables. We aimed to show how this practice may alter results from observational studies in rheumatology.

METHODS

We conducted and compared the results of two analyses of the association between our predictor variable (percentage change in body mass index [BMI] from baseline to four years) and two outcome variable domains of structure and pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis. These two outcome variable domains covered 26 different outcomes for knee and hip combined. In the first analysis (categorical analysis), percentage change in BMI was categorized as ≥ 5% decrease in BMI, < 5% change in BMI, and ≥ 5% increase in BMI, while in the second analysis (continuous analysis), it was left as a continuous variable. In both analyses (categorical and continuous), we used generalized estimating equations with a logistic link function to investigate the association between the percentage change in BMI and the outcomes.

RESULTS

For eight of the 26 investigated outcomes (31%), the results from the categorical analyses were different from the results from the continuous analyses. These differences were of three types: 1) for six of these eight outcomes, while the continuous analyses revealed associations in both directions (i.e., a decrease in BMI had one effect, while an increase in BMI had the opposite effect), the categorical analyses showed associations only in one direction of BMI change, not both; 2) for another one of these eight outcomes, the categorical analyses suggested an association with change in BMI, while this association was not shown in the continuous analyses (this is potentially a false positive association); 3) for the last of the eight outcomes, the continuous analyses suggested an association of change in BMI, while this association was not shown in the categorical analyses (this is potentially a false negative association).

CONCLUSIONS

Categorization of continuous predictor variables alters the results of analyses and could lead to different conclusions; therefore, researchers in rheumatology should avoid it.

Self-management support needs of patients with inflammatory arthritis and the content of self-management interventions: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Self-management skills can empower a person to manage the physical, psychological, and social impact of a health condition. However, the components of self-management interventions differ widely between studies and interventions. By performing a scoping review, we aimed to describe patients' self-management needs and how health professionals (HPs) can provide effective self-management support to patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA).

OBJECTIVES

1) to identify the evidence for self-management support needs of patients with IA, and 2) to identify the content (theory/theoretical approach, mode of delivery, duration and frequency) of self-management interventions that target patients with IA.

METHODS

In May 2021, we performed a systematic literature search (from 2000 onward) in five databases (CINAHL (Ebsco), Cochrane Library, Embase (Ovid), Medline (Ovid) and PsycINFO (Ovid)) regarding self-management in patients with IA.

RESULTS

Out of 11,748 records identified, we included 31 articles describing patients' support needs and 33 articles describing the content of self-management interventions. Patients' support needs were sorted into six topics: 1) disease impact and the pharmacological treatment, 2) care continuity and relations with HPs, 3) the importance of non-pharmacological treatment, 4) the need for support from family and friends, 5) support needs related to work issues, and 6) contextual preferences for self-management support. The theory/theoretical approach, mode of delivery, duration and frequency varied widely and were often unclearly or insufficiently described. In addition, the self-management concept was scarcely - or not - defined in the included articles. The identified topics for support needs were compared with the described content in the included articles. Only a few self-management interventions focused on patients' need for support in relation to work, and to family and friends.

CONCLUSION

HPs provided self-management support to patients with IA in various ways, but there were gaps between the patients' support needs and the identified interventions. In developing self-management interventions, the self-management concept needs to be defined and a clear theory is required to support the development of the intervention. Future studies should seek to investigate various modes of delivery, frequency and duration, to develop effective interventions that meet patients' support needs.

Effects of e-health interventions on health outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of e-health interventions on disease activity, self-efficacy, pain and quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

BACKGROUND

Prior systematic reviews have only reported the quality and features of e-health interventions in patients with RA. However, the effect of e-health interventions in patients with RA is unclear.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

This review was conducted following the PRISMA guideline. We searched 5 databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane library. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of the evidence was assessed via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Using a random-effects model adopted the standardised mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A chi-squared test and an I² test were used to assess heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on different controls.

RESULTS

A total of 9 randomised control trials were included in this study. Compared with the control group, disease activity of the e-health group significantly decreased (SMD with 95% CI: -.17 [-.30, -.04], p = .01, I²  = 1%). Meanwhile, trials with usual care control had a larger effect on disease activity (SMD with 95% CI: -.21 [-.40, -.02], p = .03, I²  = 38%). The effect of e-health interventions on self-efficacy was controversial; pain and quality of life were negative in the currently included studies. The quality of evidence was rated as low for disease activity and very low for pain, self-efficacy and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of e-health interventions on disease activity was statistically significant. More well-designed randomised controlled trials are still needed to verify the effects in the future.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study shows the potential value of e-health in improving health outcomes in patients with RA.

The effectiveness of e-learning in patient education delivered to patients with rheumatoid arthritis: The WebRA study-protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial

Background

Patient education is integral to the treatment and care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Change is taking place in the organisation of healthcare systems because of a demographic shift towards ageing populations, an increasing use of technology and advancements in digital technologies, allowing for new interventions. This study will aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed e-learning patient education programme based on self-management that targets patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

A pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled trial is planned. We intend to recruit approximately 200 patients with a new diagnosis (< 3 months) of rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to web-based patient education delivered through an e-learning programme at home or standard face-to-face patient education provided at the hospital. The primary outcome is self-efficacy. Secondary outcomes are improved knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis, adherence to medication, health literacy level and quality of life. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and follow-up occurring 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after enrolment. Furthermore, data on healthcare utilisation and utilisation of the e-learning programme will be assessed at the 12-month follow-up. Statistical analysis, including differences between groups, will be evaluated using the chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Statistical analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle, and analysis of variance will be used to evaluate the within- and between-groups differences testing the hypothesis of the ‘superiority’ of web-based patient education over standard face-to-face education provided at the hospital. Per protocol analysis will be used to assess the impact of missing data. Enrolment started in February 2021 and will end in June 2022.

Discussion

The study is expected to contribute to the evidence on the effectiveness of web-based patient education within rheumatic diseases. If the e-learning programme is effective, it will be incorporated into existing services to improve the self-management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Further, this mode of providing patient education may impact the organisation of health care for both rheumatic diseases and other chronic diseases by offering different modes of delivering patient education based on the needs and preferences of patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04669340. Registered on November 27, 2020. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04669340?term=e-learning&cond=Rheumatoid+Arthritis&draw=2&rank=1. See Additional file 1 for detailed information on the dataset according to the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41927-021-00226-y.

Qualitative validation of audiovisual educational material for use on rheumatoid arthritis patients

Medication compliance is critical to achieve therapeutic efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; however, among other factors, low patient-health literacy plays a negative role. Therefore, the development and validation of audiovisual educational material with the participation of health specialists and patients could lead to an improved level of compliance with treatment, while favoring its acceptance. To design and validate audiovisual educational material generated by a multidisciplinary and participative group of patients and health specialists. This study was carried out using a sequential methodology, including qualitative and quantitative techniques: (1) a non-participative observational study with patients and a non-systematic literature search were performed to identify conceptual topics. (2) Pilot videos were qualitatively assessed by patients and health specialists (focus groups and expert committees). (3) Improved versions of seven videos were quantitatively evaluated by patients and specialists following qualitative criteria of attraction, understanding, involvement, acceptance and induction of action. 74 patients with RA, 10 rheumatologists, 4 pharmacists and 2 medical anthropologists participated in the different phases of validation. A total of seven videos lasting 3 min each were generated, incorporating the most relevant suggestions by patients and healthcare professionals. The final version of the videos led to a mean compliance of 96.04 ± 5.2%, according to a representative group of patients and a mean 89.6 ± 9.4%, according to health professionals. With the participation of both patients and health specialists, seven audiovisual educational video recordings were developed and validated, reaching high levels of compliance in accordance with international criteria.

A longitudinal study of educational needs among patients with inflammatory arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Patient education is important in the follow-up and disease management for patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis. Patients' needs for education and information varies, and it is important that the education is tailored to the individual patient. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate whether patients' educational needs change over time, and which demographic, disease-related or self-management characteristics that are associated with patients' educational needs.

METHODS

The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to study patients' longitudinal educational needs and whether their needs change over time, while multivariable linear regression analyses were used to investigate associations between patients' educational needs and demographic variables, disease-related and self-management characteristics.

RESULTS

There were no changes in patients' educational needs in the domains of managing pain, movement, feelings, arthritis process and treatment from health professionals during the study period of seven years. A small decrease in educational needs in the domains self-help measures (p-value 0.047) and support from others (p-value 0.010) was detected. The regression analyses showed that higher educational needs were associated with being female, lower educational level, shorter disease duration, and a lower level of patient activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis have continual needs for patient education throughout their disease trajectory. Nurses and health care professionals must therefore ask their patients what kind of education they need at every follow-up throughout the disease course.