AB1308-HPR DEVELOPMENT OF AN E-LEARNING PATIENT EDUCATION PROGRAM TARGETING PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: FROM CONTENT TO DESIGN

Abstract

Background:Patient education (PE), with the aim of supporting patients to self-manage their disease is important in the treatment and care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1). Today, there is a shift in the organization of healthcare systems due to a demographic change towards ageing populations and an increasing use of technology. Advancements in web-technology can offer alternative ways to provide PE – e.g. through an e-learning platform. However,E-Learning development must be based on the needs of the learners and on existing evidence on both education and content.Objectives:To develop an e-learning platform targeting newly diagnosed patients with RA.Methods:Focus group interviews with patients, rheumatologists and nurses, with the aim of exploring informational and educational needs related to RA and how this may be communicated in an e-learning program, were conducted. We used a short interview guide to ensure the focus of the interviews, however, strived for a less structured start of the interview to promote a free discussion and later a more structured discussion of specific questions. Pictures, illustrating possible topics in PE within RA and ways to communicate, were also applied. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis (2).The theoretical framework in the development and design drew on the cognitive theory of multimedia learning (3) and entertainment education (4).Results:Four themes, covering experiences and needs emerged in the analysis of the focus-group interviews;‘Knowledge of RA, the disease course and prognosis’, ‘Medical treatment’, ‘A new life situation’and‘Daily living with RA’.Subsequently, the program was developed through an iterative process between the project group, patient representatives, a communication consultant, graphic designers and an e-learning company.The program was divided into three learning modules covering knowledge of RA, complications, medical treatment, examinations and daily living with RA, e.g. coping with emotions, pain, fatigue, work, education, physical activity etc. It offers a combination of e.g. animations, videos with personal patient stories, podcasts, written text, spoken words and interactive quizzes.Conclusion:The e-learning program is developed and ready for feasibility testing. Subsequently, the effectiveness of the program will be tested in a RCT study among approximately 250 patients.