LAUSR

Methotrexate (MTX) remains the standard treatment for inflammatory arthritis. For patients prescribed MTX they tell us that they find it difficult to source correct information. Patients require this at different time points in their disease and in different formats that encompass literacy and language challenges. Patients are usually given instruction about MTX at the time of their diagnosis when they are faced with absorbing a lot of information in a very short time frame, yet the majority of patients are required to take MTX for the duration of their disease. Following on from the development of the MTX patient education guide in Ireland in 2017 we looked at developing the content into a different format. In partnership with a digital media company and the pharmaceutical industry the content was converted into a digital media card and website for use in the clinical setting. The content was designed as an additional support to patients prescribed MTX. The animation consists of both audio and images and provides the viewer with essential information and key messages required when taking MTX. The animation guides the patient through MTX, outlines how it works, how to take MTX, and highlights the important safety issues and monitoring required when taking MTX. Audio content was written by the author and designed in collaboration with a digital media company. The digital media card and website was launched nationally in September 2018 with the support of the Irish Rheumatology Nursing Forum and Arthritis Ireland. Rheumatology departments nationally were provided with copies of the digital media card and details of the website. Patients can use the digital media card and be signposted patients to www.methotrexate.ie. Since the launch of both the website and the digital media card there has been 1.5 K sessions, and 1.4K users on the website. The website has been accessed globally with over 781 users from Ireland, 220 from the United States and 144 from the United Kingdom. The website is accessed predominately by mobile device followed by tablet device. To date the website continues to be accessed by patients and we have received very positive feedback. The digital media card has been adopted nationally and has become incorporated as part of the education of patients about MTX. Both the website and the digital media card are designed to support and enhance the education about MTX and not replace the formal education that nurses give to patients about MTX. The next step is to survey both the patients and healthcare professionals using the tools and identify what additions may enhance these tools. For further information go to www.methotrexate.ie to access the website and view the animation. U.E.S. Martin Honoraria; U.M has received honoraria from Novartis, Abbvie Ireland. Grants/research support; U.M has received educational grants from Novartis, Janssen, Abbvie, Pfizer.