title: Knowledge in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a longer term follow-up of a randomized controlled study of patient education leaflets.
abstract: Despite the wide availability of disease-related leaflets, their impact on patients' knowledge and well-being has rarely been evaluated. A randomized controlled study of a 'Rheumatoid Arthritis' leaflet revealed increased knowledge among the intervention group after 3 weeks. In addition, the leaflet was viewed as a source of reassurance. The purpose of the follow-up study was to determine whether the increase in knowledge was maintained in the longer term and to examine psychological well-being. Eighty-four patients (42 intervention and 42 control) completed the 6 month follow-up. There were no significant changes (P > 0.01) in mean outcome measures over the period 3 weeks-6 months for either the intervention or control groups. Patients in the intervention group retained the increase in knowledge observed at 3 weeks. Moreover, there was no evidence of adverse reactions to the leaflet in terms of psychological distress. Leaflets can be effective in promoting longer term increases in knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Psychosocial Rheumatology Research Centre, School of Health & Social Sciences, Coventry University.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Barlow
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome