Open AccessEvaluation of a computer‐based education lesson for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Author(s) -
Wetstone Scott L.,
Pfeiffer Carol A.,
Rippey Robert M.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1790010104
Subject(s) - hopefulness , medicine , affect (linguistics) , lupus erythematosus , health education , locus of control , systemic lupus , physical therapy , disease , immunology , psychology , clinical psychology , nursing , public health , developmental psychology , communication , antibody
A computer‐based education (CBE) lesson for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was developed to supplement one‐on‐one teaching by physicians and other health professionals. It was evaluated using a pretest—posttest experimental design. Fifty‐three patients were randomly divided into control and CBE groups. All subjects found the lesson easy to use and responded favorably to this form of education. Results after matching for initial knowledge demonstrated significant increase in knowledge (from 62% to 77% correct, P < 0.01) as well as increased hopefulness of a good prognosis (P < 0.05) for the CBE group. Knowledge gain was correlated with low initial positive affect (r = −0.51, P < 0.01), high initial negative affect (r = 0.38, P < 0.03), and low initial internal health locus of control (r = 0.35, P < 0.04). Subjects with previous computer experience benefited more than those without such experience (23.5% vs 8.9% additional correct, P = 0.01). The data suggest that CBE is successful in the education of patients with this complex multisystemic disease.