Evaluation of structured patient education in occupational skin diseases: a systematic assessment of the disease-specific knowledge

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of patient education in occupational skin diseases (OSD) regarding changes of the disease-specific knowledge. Methods One hundred and five patients participated in structured patient education as part of an interdisciplinary outpatient prevention measure. In a prospective one-group pre-post-design, the disease-specific knowledge was assessed with the validated "Occupational Skin Diseases Knowledge Questionnaire'' (OSD-KQ) before (T0) and after the intervention (T1). A subcohort (n = 68) was examined 2-3 months later (T2). Results The mean OSD-KQ score significantly improved from 38.5 (59.2 % of correct answers, T0) to 55.6 (85.5 % of correct answers, T1). A pronounced heterogeneity was observed among the participants regarding the pre-interventional knowledge (10.8-84.6 % of correct answers, T0) and the individual knowledge gain. Patients who worked in health-related occupations scored significantly higher. Age and sex did not influence the knowledge. In a subcohort, a significantly improved disease-specific knowledge of 52.3 (80.5 % of correct answers) could still be found 2-3 months after the intervention (T2). Conclusions Structured patient education significantly improves the disease-specific knowledge in patients with OSD. The study indicates not only positive short-but also sustainable long-term effects on the knowledge gain. The OSD-KQ can serve as a tool to evaluate and improve patient education. Health educators need to be aware of the heterogeneity regarding the participants' knowledge and take this into account during educational practice. Additional counseling may be necessary to meet the individual learners' needs.