N14 The Effectiveness of patient information leaflets provided by a Clinical Nurse Specialist on disease related knowledge in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Walsh, C.(1);
(1)Letterkenny General Hospital, Gastroenterology, Letterkenny, Ireland
Background
Patient information leaflets are used as an educational tool and also to enhance the verbal information provided by the consulting practitioner. Disease specific knowledge is well recognized as an important factor to improve the knowledge of the condition, improve self care, aid compliance and provide information on therapies and treatments. It was observed that patient understanding and knowledge of their condition varies widely.
Methods
A quantitative cross sectional research methodology was implemented. The sampling is non probability with purposive convenience sample. The single site study sample size was 63. The instrument selected was the Crohn’s and Colitis Knowledge Score (CCKNOW) developed by Eaden et al, (1999).The self administered questionnaire consists of three sections, demographics, CCKNOW instrument and source of information.
Data collection was recorded and analysed on SPSS (Version 24.0). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were implemented. Ethical approval was granted.
Results
Sixty three patients responded and the median age is 39.
Analysis of CCKNOW scores by classification of age, gender, education and duration of disease reveals the significant variation is between age and knowledge (mean 41.14, SD 12.59) and disease duration and knowledge (2008.218, SD 9.784)
The four areas of knowledge were calculated individually. The mean calculated for general knowledge 36.88 and the SD 6.26 demonstrating the greater degree of variation of knowledge scores. Less variation in the diet section was indicated. Significant variation demonstrated in medications and complications/pregnancy.
Frequency of CCKNOW scores demonstrated the various ranges of scores. Only 2% of patients achieved a score of 20/24, no participant achieved a score of 24/24.
Statistical significance of patient information leaflets and knowledge was assessed using Pearson-Chi Square analysis, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's Rank Order Co-efficient which indicate that patient information leaflets have a moderate effect on knowledge needs.
Conclusion
Younger and older participants demonstrated poor knowledge scores. Duration of disease indicated knowledge scores have improved significantly over the past 8-10 years. Statistically patient information leaflets have only a moderate effect on knowledge needs. Patient information leaflets are used by 69% of participants.
Knowledge base of IBD patients who are provided with a patient information leaflet is moderate and educational needs are not being met. High quality educational programmes are required and IBD Clinical Nurse Specialists are ideally placed to provide these.