The effects on knowledge of the systematic education of patients with joint diseases treated with NSAIDs and diuretics.
In a randomised, controlled trial, patients with joint diseases and concomitant treatment with NSAIDs and diuretics received systematic education. The intervention group was given information by a self-conducted, interactive Kodak Photo-CD program in addition to personal drug information and non-commercial drug leaflets. Awareness of drug interactions and encouragement of self-adjustment of treatment was focused on. Control patients received conventional information. Three months after randomisation, knowledge was tested by means of a questionnaire. At 3 months there was a significant difference in attained score between the intervention group and the control group. Greater knowledge was achieved, especially on drug interaction, in the intervention group. In conclusion, less than 1 h of systematic education significantly improved patients' knowledge on essential issues of concomitant treatment with NSAIDs and diuretics. Knowledge of effects, side-effects and interactions of drugs is essential for self-adjustment of treatment. The method employed, which is standardised and produces a reproducible quantity of education, might be applicable to several other medical conditions.
Linné
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Department of Community Medicine, Malmö University Hospital, S-205 02 Malmö, Sweden. agneta.bjork-linne@smi.mas.lu.se
Liedholm
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H
Jacobsson
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004232:Diuretics