Health education and empowerment in adult patients with haemophilia

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of education and empowerment of the patients of the Haemophilia Unit at 'La Paz' University Hospital (Madrid, Spain).Materials and methods: Haemophilic patients attending routine haemophilia consultations were asked to complete a questionnaire with a view to determining the patient´s perceived knowledge about the disease; their ability to make individual and group decisions; and whether the frequency of their hospital visits could be reduced.Results: Patients were shown to have ample knowledge about the disease. Knowledge had been acquired chiefly through personal experience and from the interaction with healthcare providers. Nearly 70% of patients felt capable of making decisions on matters affecting their health. Over half of the patients considered that their hospital visits could be reduced if they had more information. Patients experiencing the largest number of bleeding episodes were those showing the highest levels of empowerment. Over half the patients were satisfied with the institutional support they received.Conclusion: These patients with haemophilia are in general reasonably empowered on account of their personal experiences and their interaction with the healthcare providers. Current widespread access to information makes it easier to step up educational interventions in patients at lower haemorrhagic risk.