Patient education in inflammatory bowel disease does not influence patients knowledge and long-term psychosocial well-being

Background and Aims: Patient education is accepted in many disciplines as a valid component of disease management in chronic diseases. The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the effects of an education program in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: 145 patients with inflammatory bowel disease were prospectively included: 73 were educated in four sessions, 72 were educated after the one year evaluation period (control group). The following topics were presented: pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures, course of disease, medical and surgical treatment, nutrition, social problems and support, stress management, and coping with the disease. Results: The repeated measurement two-way analysis of variances showed no effects of the patient education program on disease-related knowledge, depression and quality of life. Conclusion: This patient education program was not able to increase disease-related knowledge or psychosocial variables in patients with IBD. However, most of the patients were very satisfied with the education program, since as judged by their own assessment it helped them to act responsibly for themselves and their disease.