Methotrexate information booklet study 2008.
BACKGROUND
I n order to assess the value of using the methotrexate information booklet, we conducted a single blind prospective controlled trial of the patients attending two rheumatology services.


METHODS
The active-arm (n=40) used the MTX information booklet for the patients' education and the control-arm (n=38) did not. Patients' interviews were conducted over a 6-month period using an MTX-questionnaire.


RESULTS
The entire active-arm patients (100%) were taking folic-acid and 32 (80%) knew the reason why they were taking folic-acid vs. [30 (79%) and 10 (26%) in the control-arm]. In the active-arm 35 (88%) knew the reason for their monthly blood tests vs. 18 (47%) in the control-arm. The entire active-arm was aware of the need for contraception use and MTX-side effects vs. 23 (60%) and 15 (40%) in the control-arm respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the MTX information booklet in our cohort improved their understanding of the treatment.
Mohammad
A
A
Department of Rheumatology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. ausafmohammad@gmail.com
Kilcoyne
A
A
Bond
U
U
Regan
M
M
Phelan
M
M
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013664:Teaching Materials
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D008727:Methotrexate