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

Line Raunsbæk Knudsen; Kirsten Lomborg; Annette de Thurah

doi:10.1016/j.pecinn.2021.100004

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

PEC Innov. 2021 Oct 31:1:100004. doi: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2021.100004. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Authors

Line Raunsbæk Knudsen^{1

2}, Kirsten Lomborg^{3

4}, Annette de Thurah^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 59, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
² Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
³ Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Niels Steensens Vej 2, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark.
⁴ Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N, Denmark.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Patient education; Rheumatoid arthritis; Web-based patient education; e-learning, digital health tools, self-management.