Background/Purpose:  The use of video modelling in patient education can result in positive patient outcomes including informed decision-making and improved self-management. The purpose of our study was to test the efficacy of a multimedia patient education tool (MM-PtET) for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: We randomized 219 participants to receive a MM-PtET including storylines and testimonials n=109), and 110 to receive a written booklet with the same content (n=210). Inclusion criteria were: (i) age ≥50, (ii) prior diagnosis of knee OA (unilateral or bilateral) by a physician, (iii) adequate cognitive status, and (iv) ability to communicate in English or Spanish language. Upon completion of the baseline questionnaire, participants reviewed the materials (MM-PtET or written booklet) to which they were allocated, and then completed a post-questionnaire. Primary outcome measures included: a) Disease knowledge and, b) Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS). Secondary outcomes included: a) Ottawa Acceptability Instrument, and b) Evaluation of the educational materials. Demographics and health literacy (Adequate vs Inadequate) were also collected at baseline. We compared difference in knowledge scores (pre-post randomization) between the intervention and control groups, and within the groups themselves. Linear regression was employed to assess the influence of the intervention and patient characteristics on the knowledge score adjusting by age, sex and pre-randomization knowledge score.

Results: Mean age was 65±8 years, 76% were female, 82% had adequate health literacy, and 17(%) spoke Spanish. Mean difference in knowledge scores was higher in the MM-PtET group compared to controls (p=0.03). No statistically significant difference was observed in DCS scores between groups (p>0.05, for both scales). However, significant improvement in DCS scores was observed in both groups after the intervention; patients perceived being more informed (p<0.001) with higher values clarity (p<0.001). Regression analysis indicated that intervention group, female gender, and higher level of educational attainment were predictive of higher knowledge improvement scores (p<0.05 for all, Adjusted R²=0.11). Compared to control group, MM-PtET group participants were more likely to answer “Yes” to the following questions: (1) Did the video/booklet meet your needs for information about knee osteoarthritis? (94% vs 81%, p<0.01), and (2) Did you like the explanation of the medical facts in the video/booklet? (100% vs 95%, p=0.04). Compared to the control group, intervention group participants were more likely to rate the presentation of information about impact of OA and, self-care options as “Excellent” (47% vs 27% and 47% vs 32%, respectively; p<0.05 for both questions).

Conclusion: The results of our study support the efficacy of the MM-PtET over written booklets in improving disease knowledge in patients with knee OA.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/multimedia-patient-education-tool-for-patients-with-osteoarthritis/