Design and development of an e-learning patient education program for self-management support in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

• Main Authors: Line Raunsbæk Knudsen (Author), Kirsten Lomborg (Author), Annette de Thurah (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2772-6282; 10.1016/j.pecinn.2021.100004
• Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis; Patient education; Web-based patient education; e-learning, digital health tools, self-management; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: PEC Innovation, Vol 1, Iss , Pp 100004- (2022)

Objective: To develop an e-learning education program targeting patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: The development process involved content specification and creative design. It was theoretically framed within theories of multimedia learning and entertainment-education and empirically based on evidence of patient education in rheumatoid arthritis and focus group discussions with stakeholders. We conducted a feasibility test among ten patients to assess the acceptability and usability of the program, and to identify areas to be adjusted. Results: The following themes for educational needs were found in focus group discussions: "Knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis," he disease course and prognosis," "Medical treatment," "A new life situation" and "Daily life with rheumatoid arthritis." Based on this, an e-learning program covering the disease course, examinations, treatment, and daily life, was created. It combines animations, videos, podcasts, text, speech, and tests. Test persons found the program feasible-that is, clear in content and easy to understand with a suitable pace and coherence between graphics, speech, and text. Conclusion: This e-learning program is based on solid theoretical knowledge that meets users' needs and is easy to use. Innovation: This study contributes to the innovation of health care by the development of a new digital tool for patient education.