Development and Pilot Testing of MyGoutCare: A Novel Web-Based Platform to Educate Patients With Gout

Background Management guidelines have identified unmet educational needs in gout patients. Our objective was to develop and pilot test MyGoutCare (MGC©)—a web-based, interactive educational resource for gout patients, tailored to improve knowledge. Methods The website was developed with input from patients and experts. A health informatics expert tailored content areas so the patient could walk through a journey to learn various aspects of gout. During the pilot study, patients completed baseline demographics and a 10-item validated gout knowledge questionnaire. After reviewing the website, patients completed a post-survey within 2 weeks of their physician visit. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and effect size (ES) was calculated for the changed scores. Results Gout patients and experts agreed on these content areas—triggers of flares, comorbidities, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment, healthy gout diet, and lifestyle choices. In the pilot study, 50 patients (mean age of 54 years, mean disease duration of 9.5 years, and mean 3–5 flares/year) were recruited. Their post-survey scores (0–10) on knowledge questions improved significantly when compared to pre-survey scores with mean (SD) of 1.95 (1.76) p
Source: JCR: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research