ABSTRACT

This study was planned to compare the efficacy of written information vs verbal plus written information in patients with rheumatic diseases who receive colchicine treatment. Initially, a readable and comprehensible “drug information booklet” was developed for the patients. After that, a “drug knowledge questionnaire” was structured for testing to assess the level of patients’ knowledge. The questionnaire was responded by the patients (Pretest). Seventy one patients were categorized into two groups; Group A (n=35) consisted of patients given only the written booklet, whereas patients given verbal information along with the written booklet included in Group B (n=36). To assess the level of knowledge at 8-12-week after, the same questionnaire was asked again (Posttest). As expected, compared to baseline, there was a significant increase in the knowledge levels of the patients following both form of education (p<0.001); however knowledge levels did not show significant differences between the groups (p=0.426). This study showed that patient education is successful in increasing the knowledge levels of patients, irrespective of methods being used for informing. So, a written drug information booklet alone seems to be a useful tool to increase awareness of patients about a certain medication.

Keywords: Drug information booklet, Knowledge, Verbal information, Colchicine