Policy‐Into‐Practice for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Randomized Controlled Trial and Cohort Study of E‐Learning Targeting Improved Physiotherapy Management. Issue 7 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fary, Robyn E.; Slater, Helen; Chua, Jason; Ranelli, Sonia; Chan, Madelynn; Briggs, Andrew M.
• Is Part Of: Arthritis care & research. Volume 67:Issue 7(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 913
• Page End: 922
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Arthritis -- Periodicals; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.72
• DOI: 10.1002/acr.22535
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2151-464X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="acr22535-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To examine the effectiveness of a physiotherapy‐specific, web‐based e‐learning platform, "RAP‐el, " in best‐practice management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a single‐blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) and prospective cohort study.</p> </sec> <sec id="acr22535-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Australian‐registered physiotherapists were electronically randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group accessed RAP‐eL over 4 weeks. Change in self‐reported confidence in knowledge and skills was compared between groups at the end of the RCT using linear regression conditioned for baseline scores by a blinded assessor, using intent‐to‐treat analysis. Secondary outcomes included physiotherapists' satisfaction with RA management and responses to RA‐relevant clinical statements and practice‐relevant vignettes. Retention was evaluated in a cohort study 8 weeks after the RCT.</p> </sec> <sec id="acr22535-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Eighty physiotherapists were randomized into the intervention and 79 into the control groups. Fifty‐six and 48, respectively, provided baseline data. Significant between‐group differences were observed for change in confidence in knowledge (mean difference 8.51; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 6.29, 10.73; effect size 1.62) and skills (mean difference 7.26; 95% CI 5.1, 9.4; effect size 1.54), with the intervention group performing better. Satisfaction in ability to manage RA, 4 of the 6 clinical statements, and responses to vignettes demonstrated significant improvement in the intervention group. Although 8‐week scores showed declines in most outcomes, their clinical significance remains uncertain.</p> </sec> <sec id="acr22535-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>RAP‐eL can improve self‐reported confidence, likely practice behaviors and satisfaction in physiotherapists' ability to manage people with RA, and improve their clinical knowledge in several areas of best‐practice RA management in the short term.</p> </sec> </abstract>