The effect of a distance-learning programme on patient self-management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in general practice: a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To determine whether a distance-learning programme on LUTS provided to the general practitioner affected patient self-management.

Methods: A randomised trial was performed to examine the effects of the distance-learning programme (an educational package for the GP and a patient information leaflet) compared with written guidelines on LUTS mailed to the GP. In 63 general practices (32 intervention and 31 control) across the Netherlands all patients older than 50 years presenting LUTS for the first time were invited to participate. Main outcome measures were patient evaluation of quality of care received and perceptions of enablement.

Results: A total of 151 patients was included. The intervention increased patient enablement regarding maintenance of independence (OR = 3.14) and coping with illness (OR = 2.21). Overall enablement scores were not changed. Patients in the intervention group had more positive evaluations of general practice care received (OR = 2.28 to 3.95). An explorative analysis suggested that the effects of the intervention were mediated in particular by handing out of patient information leaflets.

Conclusions: A distance-learning programme on LUTS for general practitioners had positive effects on patient self-management. Handing out leaflets appeared to be a crucial mediating factor.