Abstract
BackgroundPatient education is an important component of foot health management for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The content and strategies for delivery require investigation in relation to the patients’ needs. This study explores patients’ experiences of foot health education, to inform how the patients’ needs could be identified in clinical practice and inform effective education delivery.MethodA focus group was used to collect data. The dialogue was recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a structured thematic approach. Member checking and peer review added to credibility of the data.Six themes emerged; (i) content and purpose of patient education – what it should be, (ii) content of patient education – what it should not be, (iii) timing of information on foot health, (iv) method of delivery, (v) ability to engage with foot health education and (vi) the patient/practitioner relationship.ConclusionsThis study identified aspects of patient education considered important by this group of patients in relation to content, timing and delivery, forming the basis for further research on clinical and patient focussed outcomes of patient education.Identifying health education needs and provision of supportive verbal and written information can foster an effective therapeutic relationship, supporting effective foot health education for people with RA.
Highlights
Patient education is an important component of foot health management for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
This study identified aspects of patient education considered important by this group of patients in relation to content, timing and delivery, forming the basis for further research on clinical and patient focussed outcomes of patient education
National Health Service reviews and reports focus on the need for increased self-management in the overall management of patients with long-term conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) [1,2]
Summary
Patient education is an important component of foot health management for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). National Health Service reviews and reports focus on the need for increased self-management in the overall management of patients with long-term conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) [1,2]. In support of this the Department of Health ‘information revolution’ [1] provides resources that aim to improve health related behaviour, support aspects of self-management and thereby maximise the potential for health benefits [1]. Providing education during podiatry consultations, in the form of information on the purpose and use of clinical interventions, such as foot orthoses and specialist footwear [9], could potentially improve patients’ use of them [10]
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