Improving patient understanding of preeclampsia: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: We developed a standardized educational tool to inform women about preeclampsia. The objective of this study was to assess whether exposure to this tool led to superior understanding of the syndrome.

Study Design: This was a randomized controlled trial in which 120 women were assigned to (1) a newly developed preeclampsia educational tool, (2) a standard pamphlet addressing preeclampsia that had been created by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or (3) no additional information. Preeclampsia knowledge was assessed with the use of a previously validated questionnaire.

Results: There were no demographic differences among the groups. Patients who received the tool scored significantly better on the preeclampsia questionnaire than those who received the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists pamphlet or no additional information (71%, 63%, 49%, respectively; P < .05). This improved understanding was evident equally among women with and without adequate health literacy (interaction: P > .05).

Conclusion: Patients who were exposed to a graphics-based educational tool demonstrated superior preeclampsia-related knowledge, compared with those patients who were exposed to standard materials or no education.