Avoiding Anti-inflammatories: a randomized controlled trial testing the use of an information package on patient knowledge and behaviour

Intervention group patients will be emailed a link to a webpage containing a downloadable PDF and a fully accessible online interactive learning activity. Both the PDF and interactive learning activity have been designed specifically for this project. The single A4 page PDF provides background information about the potential drug interactions and effect on the kidneys, as well as advice about avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Participants can download and print this information if they would like. The interactive learning activity provides more detailed information about the potential harms associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and potential drug interactions. There are self-marking quizzes to reinforce learning for each short module. Participants will complete 4 modules in the online learning activity, which takes about 10-15 minutes to complete in total. Participants can access the online learning activity as many times as they like during the two week study period. Administration of the intervention will occur by automatic email at time of randomisation. Use of the intervention will be assessed by self-report in the follow-up survey. The intervention group will also receive usual general practice care from their own primary care team. Usual general practice care means patients can contact their general practice as often as they like during normal business hours to speak with a healthcare provider, have a clinical appointment, receive advice or any clinical treatment deemed necessary, or be referred on for secondary care if required.