E-learning improves knowledge and practical skills in haemophilia patients on home treatment: A randomized controlled trial

Home treatment of haemophilia is currently the standard of care for patients with severe haemophilia. Home treatment increases the responsibility of the patients for their own treatment and care. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to attain a high level of knowledge and practical skills. The aim of our study was to investigate whether or not an educational e-learning program improves knowledge and skills of adult patients with haemophilia on home treatment. Participants treated at the Haemophilia Treatment Center of the Erasmus University Medical Centre completed a questionnaire to test their knowledge of haemophilia, treatment of bleedings and of complications of treatment and were observed during the intravenous injection of clotting factor concentrate, using a standardized scoring list. Afterwards they were randomized to follow an e-learning program or no intervention (control group). After 1month they completed the same questionnaire again and practical skills were scored once more. At baseline, haemophilia patients (n=30) scored 24 of 48 questions in the questionnaire correctly. Seventy-five per cent of the items on the practical skills scoring list were performed correctly. One month later, the e-learning group (n=16; 36; 18-45) showed a higher level of theoretical knowledge compared to the control group (n=14; 26; 19-32; P<0.001). Also practical skills were significantly better in the group that followed the e-learning program compared to the control group (respectively P=0.002). Self-efficacy of 90% vs. 80% the patients with haemophilia was high in all patients. Our study shows that in haemophilia patients with haemophilia, who are on home treatment, knowledge of haemophilia treatment and complications as well as practical skills can be improved by an educational e-learning program.

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