Citation

Chanes DC, Piza FMT, San Martin G, Leão ER, dos Santos OFP. Int. J. Qual. Health Care 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/intqhc/mzab035

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Online spaced education (OSE) is a method recognized for promoting long-term knowledge retention, changing behaviors, and improving outcomes for students and healthcare professionals. However, there is little evidence about the impacts on patient education. The aim of this research was to compare knowledge retention using educational brochure and OSE on individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS); to verify the impact of educational methods on fall outcome.

METHODS: Individuals with MS (n=230) were randomly assigned for two types of patient education - educational brochure (control) and OSE (intervention). During 12 weeks, the intervention group received multiple choice tests on fall prevention. Knowledge retention, behavior change, and fall incidence were assessed before intervention and after three and six months. The participants' satisfaction with the education method was also evaluated.

RESULTS: Knowledge retention was similar between groups and behavior change was observed in both groups. There was a significant reduction in fall rate in the intervention group, from 0.60 to 0.27 at six months (p<0.001). Participants' satisfaction achieved an average of 8.75, with no differences between groups.

CONCLUSION: Individuals demonstrated significant improvement in fall rate outcome in both groups with no significant difference. On regard to test scores and satisfaction, results were similar between groups.

Language: en

Keywords

fall; patient safety; chronic illness; internet-based education; patient education; patient engagement