Abstract
Objective
To explore patients' perceptions of digital patient education (PE), and how this contributes to self-management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods
Individual interviews based on 'interpretive description' methodology. The patients were purposively selected from a randomized controlled trial that investigated the effects of digital PE. The analysis included a descriptive section, followed by the interpretation and extraction of the main messages.
Results
Overall, participants had positive perceptions of the e-learning program. Advantages were flexibility, the possibility for repetition, entertainment, availability, and learning in familiar surroundings. Disadvantages were unmet relational support needs due to missing dialogue with health care providers (HCPs). For the majority, a need for insight into the condition led to an active approach to using e-learning. The e-learning program facilitated knowledge acquisition about RA, but relational support from HCPs and a positive attitude toward living with RA were also important for achieving self-management.
Conclusion
Digital PE is useful for self-management support in RA, however different forms and combinations of PE must be offered in the future to accommodate various needs throughout the disease course.
To explore patients' perceptions of digital patient education (PE), and how this contributes to self-management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods
Individual interviews based on 'interpretive description' methodology. The patients were purposively selected from a randomized controlled trial that investigated the effects of digital PE. The analysis included a descriptive section, followed by the interpretation and extraction of the main messages.
Results
Overall, participants had positive perceptions of the e-learning program. Advantages were flexibility, the possibility for repetition, entertainment, availability, and learning in familiar surroundings. Disadvantages were unmet relational support needs due to missing dialogue with health care providers (HCPs). For the majority, a need for insight into the condition led to an active approach to using e-learning. The e-learning program facilitated knowledge acquisition about RA, but relational support from HCPs and a positive attitude toward living with RA were also important for achieving self-management.
Conclusion
Digital PE is useful for self-management support in RA, however different forms and combinations of PE must be offered in the future to accommodate various needs throughout the disease course.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Artikelnummer | 107969 |
| Tidsskrift | Patient Education and Counseling |
| Vol/bind | 116 |
| Antal sider | 7 |
| ISSN | 0738-3991 |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - 2023 |
Bibliografisk note
Funding Information:We are grateful for the participants who shared their experiences and perspectives on digital PE. We thank the study nurses at the Department of Rheumatology in Aalborg, Horsens, Randers, Hjørring, and Aarhus, Denmark, for their support with recruiting participants. Finally, we thank the steering group of the WebRA study for the valuable discussions about the findings. This work was supported by TrygFonden (grant number 149582 ).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors