ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: It is essential to provide complete information to patients using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because of the risk of side effects. Today, most healthcare professionals recommend and privilege oral information regarding NSAIDs. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact of three standardized NSAIDs information-delivery modalities on knowledge, anxiety and satisfaction of patients hospitalized in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation unit for debilitating and degenerative locomotor diseases. METHOD: Randomized prospective study with an alternate month design. Two control groups were provided with only one type of information modality: written (information sheet) or oral (presentation). The intervention group received both modalities of information. The information included: the definition of NSAIDs, advantages and side effects, and practical advice regarding proper use. The main evaluation criterion was knowledge progression assessed by a specific questionnaire. Secondary criteria were anxiety evolution (STAI-Y questionnaire) and satisfaction related to the information delivered. RESULTS: One hundred and forty patients were included. Knowledge was improved in the three groups, with a greater score improvement in the group that received both modalities (P=0.05). No intergroup difference was noted on anxiety or satisfaction. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Associating both information-delivery modalities (written+oral) contributes to improving knowledge but does not seem to have an impact on the anxiety of patients treated with NSAIDs for their degenerative locomotor disease. Using standardized information sheets with a validated content could help pharmacists in their role as healthcare education provider and effectively complement the information delivered orally.
