E-learning in Patient Education to Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

"The intervention implies patient education through an e-learning program. The program consists of three learning modules covering knowledge of rheumatoid arthritis, medication, examinations, complications and daily living with RA. Module 1 consists of 'need to know' information about disease management, symptoms and medication. Thus, it is mandatory and must be completed before entering module 2 and 3. In module 2 and 3, patients can move around on the basis of their individual needs.~The duration of the full program is approximately two hours, but may vary dependent on the individual user needs. The program may be used as much as needed throughout the study period."

The intervention implies usual care, i.e. face-to-face patient education in a one-hour session with a nurse at the hospital. This form of patient education is based on the patients individual need for information and guidance in relation to rheumatoid arthritis and medication. Thus, aspects of daily life with the disease is discussed at the beginning and forms the conversation. However, as a standard, information of the disease, disease management, symptoms and medication must be discussed with the patient and relatives.