Haglund E, et al. – This research work was meant to identify needs and priorities in patient education in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Accumulated data represented that there were considerable educational needs in patients with SpA, and education concerning self–help, feelings, and the diseases process were raised as important issues. In addition, healthcare professionals should consider the importance of presenting varied formats of education based on the experiences and preferences of patients with SpA.

Methods

• Data accumulation included a questionnaire survey with the Educational Needs Assessment Tool (ENAT) and interviews, using a mixed–methods design.
• Through a specialist clinic register, patients were identified.
• Descriptive data were represented as mean with standard deviation, or frequencies.
• For group comparisons, Chi–square test and independent–samples t–test were used.
• A manifest qualitative conventional content analysis was performed to explore patients’ experiences and needs in patient education, based on two focus groups (n = 6) and five individual interviews.

Results

• Findings displayed that almost half (43%) of the 183 SpA patients had educational needs, particularly regarding aspects of self–help, feelings, and the disease process.
• By women and in patients with higher disease activity more educational needs were reported.
• However, duration of disease did not affect the needs.
• The qualitative analysis highlighted the importance of obtaining a guiding, reliable, and easily available patient education for management of SpA.
• Individual contacts with healthcare professionals were of importance, but newer media were also requested.