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Effects of formal education for patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A randomized controlled trial
BM Waters | L Jensen | RN Fedorak
BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD) suffer physical dysfunction and
impaired quality of life (QOL), and need frequent
health care. They often lack knowledge about their
disease and desire more education. Educational interventions
for other chronic diseases have demonstrated reduced
health care use and increased knowledge, medication
adherence and QOL.
METHOD: Sixty-nine participants
were randomly assigned to formal IBD education and
standard of care (pamphlets and ad hoc physician
education) or standard of care alone. Assessment
of IBD knowledge and QOL occurred at baseline, immediately
posteducation and eight weeks posteducation. Participants
documented medication adherence and health care use
in diaries. Patient satisfaction was assessed at
the end of the study.
RESULTS: The education group
had higher knowledge scores (P=0.000), perceived
knowledge ratings (P=0.01) and patient satisfaction
(P=0.001). There was a lower rate of medication nonadherence
and health care use for the education group, but
the differences were not significant. QOL indices
did not change. Significant correlations were found
for increased health care use in patients with poorer
medication adherence (P=0.01) and lower perceived
health (P=0.05).
CONCLUSION: Formal IBD patient
education improves knowledge, perceived knowledge
and patient satisfaction. Further study of long-term
effects may better demonstrate potential benefits
for QOL, medication adherence and health care use.
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