Improvement in medication education in a pediatric subspecialty practice

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of an educational intervention on parents of children taking methotrexate (MTX) for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS This study was conducted using a pre- and postsurvey design. The parents of 100 children with JIA taking MTX for at least 2 months were surveyed during a routine office visit. The parents completed an initial questionnaire regarding the safe use, adverse effects, and guidelines for monitoring the toxicity of MTX. An educational intervention was then administered, and an identical follow-up questionnaire was given during the next office visit. Statistical analysis using a paired t-test (critical P value < 0.05) was performed on individuals who answered both questionnaires. RESULTS There were 100 responses to the initial questionnaire and 67 responses to the follow-up questionnaire. The mean length of time between surveys was 2.9 ± 0.9 months. In those who completed both questionnaires, the overall correct score increased significantly from 75.8% to 93.4%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Individuals scored the lowest (49%) on the question that addressed MTX's impact on pregnancy and fertility. CONCLUSIONS MTX knowledge may be less than expected in the parents of children with JIA. Brief educational interventions in the pediatric subspecialty practice can significantly affect a family's understanding of their child's medications.