Assessment of patient knowledge on immunotherapy before and after an educational intervention: A comparison of two methods

Abstract

Rationale Immunotherapy (IT) is an invaluable therapy for allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and hymenoptera hypersensitivity. It is however, not without risks, with systemic reactions occurring in 0.3-15% of patients. Our purpose was to examine our patients' knowledge regarding IT and determine the most effective educational method to improve their knowledge. Methods An original, self-administered, patient questionnaire was distributed to all patients on IT. After completion of the initial questionnaire, patients were randomly assigned to either a control group, an intervention group that received an educational handout monthly for two months, or an intervention group that was given a one-on-one educational session with a physician or nurse practitioner. After three months, all patients completed an identical follow-up questionnaire. Scores were compared with one another before and after educational intervention and between the different groups to determine which method was more effective. Results Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of instruction type on differences in pre- and post-test knowledge scores. All three groups significantly improved their mean overall knowledge score (p<0.001). The amount of change was greater in the intervention groups than control group, but did not reach statistical significance (p<0.586). Conclusions Baseline immunotherapy knowledge of allergy shot patients was better than expected and further educational interventions did not significantly improve this knowledge.