Development of Evidence-Based Disease Education Literature for Pakistani Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis affects 0.5% to 1% of the population globally and is one of the most common causes of disability. Patient education plays a key role in improving treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to discuss the process involved in designing an evidence-based disease education literature for rheumatoid arthritis patients of Pakistan in Urdu language with culturally relevant illustrations. A study was conducted to develop disease education literature using Delphi consensus, content validity, and patient feedback. A panel of experts comprised of university professors and health care experts, including health practitioners and pharmacists as well as a social scientist, was set up to assess the need. Eight patients were randomly selected and were asked to give their feedback. Their feedback was incorporated in the development process. The entire process was carried out in eight steps. A disease education literature for patients of rheumatoid arthritis was developed and edited in the form of a booklet. The booklet contained evidence-based information that must be provided to patients in both Urdu and English languages with culturally relevant illustrations. The availability of such literature is significant, as it enables the patients to seek knowledge at home at their convenience. This home-based knowledge support is as helpful as any other means of medical care. The developed literature is planned to be used in further studies which will evaluate its impact in improving knowledge of RA patients.

Assessment of patient satisfaction following pharmacist counselling session by a novel patient satisfaction feedback on counselling questionnaire

“…The tool was subjected to Urdu language translation following its content validation. The translation was carried out according to the standards specified in the literature . A pharmacist and academic professor whose first language was Urdu, and second language was English, carried out initial translation of the tool in Urdu language.…”

Development and validation of a novel rheumatoid arthritis knowledge assessment scale in Pakistani patients with rheumatoid arthritis

“…The disease is characterized by acute flare‐ups and joint pain . The condition results in decreased mobility and inability to perform daily routine activities that compromise a patient's productivity and quality of life . Evidences indicate that RA patients may benefit from consultations which empower knowledge, awareness and understanding of the disease .…”

Estimation of direct cost of managing rheumatoid arthritis treatment to Pakistani patients using real‐world follow‐up data

“…The disease is known to affect work ability and studies report that many patients with RA retire from work early. Thus, employability of an individual is grossly affected due to RA and together with sufferings, it adversely affects health‐related quality of life . The economic burden of RA is high not from a patient's perspective alone.…”

“…Thus, employability of an individual is grossly affected due to RA and together with sufferings, it adversely affects health-related quality of life. 5 The economic burden of RA is high not from a patient's perspective alone. From the perspective of an employer, the direct and indirect expenditure on an employee with RA was almost three times more than the expenditure on a healthy worker, that is, USD: 17 822 compared to USD: 6131, respectively.…”

“…6 Studies report a relatively low prevalence of RA globally, that is, 0.5%-1%. 5 The prevalence of the disease varies according to regions and has been higher in countries of polar and torrid regions.…”