Pilot study of a multidisciplinary gout patient education and monitoring program

Abstract

Objective Gout patient self-management knowledge and adherence to treatment regimens are poor. Our objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a multidisciplinary team-based pilot program for the education and monitoring of gout patients. Methods Subjects completed a Gout Self-Management Knowledge Exam, along with gout flare history and compliance questionnaires, at enrollment and at 6 and 12 months. Each exam was followed by a nursing educational intervention via a structured gout curriculum. Structured monthly follow-up calls from pharmacists emphasized adherence to management programs. Primary outcomes were subject and provider program evaluation questionnaires at 6 and 12 months, program retention rate and success in reaching patients via monthly calls. Results 40/45 subjects remained in the study at 12 months. At 12 months, on a scale of 1 (most) to 5 (least), ratings of 3 or better were given by 84.6% of subjects evaluating the usefulness of the overall program in understanding and managing their gout, 81.0% of subjects evaluating the helpfulness of the nursing education program and 50.0% of subjects evaluating the helpfulness of the calls from the pharmacists. Knowledge Exam questions that were most frequently answered incorrectly on repeat testing concerned bridge therapy, the possibility of being flare-free, and the genetic component of gout. Conclusion Our multidisciplinary program of gout patient education and monitoring demonstrates feasibility and acceptability. We identified variability in patient preference for components of the program and persistent patient knowledge gaps.

Management of patients with gout and achievement of target serum urate levels at a tertiary rheumatology service in Australia

“…In light of these findings, it is worth considering whether an altered model of care for chronic gout patients is needed. A pilot study of a multidisciplinary team approach to gout management, including nurse practitioner led education sessions and monitoring phone calls by a pharmacist found that patients accepted this model of care and found it useful . A pilot study ( n = 106) investigating the effectiveness of a predominantly nurse‐led intervention for gout patients in a gout clinic in the UK found that an impressive 92% of patients enrolled were able to reach target within a year .…”

Improving gout education from patients’ perspectives: a focus group study of Māori and Pākehā people with gout

“…[11][12][13] Patient education is crucial for optimal gout management. 14,15 Successful patient education relies on educational resources that fit the health literacy of the population. 16 Gout patient education is commonly provided in primary health care by oral communication from general practitioners (GPs) or nurses and written resources.…”

Treatment approaches and adherence to urate-lowering therapy for patients with gout

“…Similarly, Fields et al led a nursing educational intervention program followed by calls from pharmacists emphasizing adherence to management programs. Eighty-one percent of 40 subjects reported the helpfulness of the nursing education program and 50% of subjects reported the helpfulness of the calls from the pharmacists 44. These findings suggest that ULT therapy compliance can be improved with a multidisciplinary program.…”