title: Evaluation of a rheumatoid arthritis patient education program: impact on knowledge and self-efficacy.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Busch
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Taniguchi
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Djkowich
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012649:Self Concept