Does a patient information sheet lead to better understanding of pre-eclampsia? A randomised controlled trial

J L van der Merwe; D R Hall; J Harvey

doi:10.1016/j.preghy.2011.06.001

Does a patient information sheet lead to better understanding of pre-eclampsia? A randomised controlled trial

Pregnancy Hypertens. 2011 Jul-Oct;1(3-4):225-30. doi: 10.1016/j.preghy.2011.06.001. Epub 2011 Jul 6.

Authors

J L van der Merwe¹, D R Hall², J Harvey³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa. Electronic address: hvdm@sun.ac.za.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa.
³ Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

PMID: 26009030
DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2011.06.001

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether a structured patient information sheet would improve women's satisfaction and understanding of pre-eclampsia, its management and risks.

Study design: A randomised, controlled trial conducted in a referral centre in South Africa. Seventy-four women with early pre-eclampsia, who qualified for expectant management, were enroled. They all completed an anonymous, structured, and self-administered questionnaire before randomisation. Cases (n=37) received a patient information sheet addressing key features of pre-eclampsia; controls (n=37) received a welcome note. Within 5-7days, but still before delivery, they completed the same questionnaire again.

Main outcome measures: Primarily assessing their general understanding and knowledge of pre-eclampsia, secondarily to assess their satisfaction and the impact of the information received.

Results: The patient information sheet improved their understanding of the immediate and long-term risks (p<0.01) and the chance of recurrence (p<0.01). Controls had good levels of understanding and appreciation. Most women in both groups felt well informed but levels of concern remained high.

Conclusions: The structured information sheet improved patients' understanding and knowledge in a limited way but did not alleviate their anxiety. Although women appear to be generally well counselled in the study unit, measures to alleviate associated anxiety should be investigated.

Keywords: Counselling; Pre-eclampsia; Pregnancy.