Research Studies

Dr. Susan Bartlett, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine in the Divisions of Clinical Epidemiology, Rheumatology, and the Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Trials Units at McGill University and the McGill University Health Centers. Dr. Bartlett is a clinical psychologist by training with longstanding research and clinical interests in patient-centered research and care and meaningful patient engagement in research.

Research Study Summary:

• What is the Connection Between Anxiety and Other Symptoms in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Research Publications:

• Anxiety Impacts Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life Even at Low Levels.
• What Does the Patient Global Health Assessment in RA Really Tell Us? Contribution of Specific Dimensions of Health-Related Quality of Life.

Dr. Deborah Da Costa, PhD, is a scientist at the Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, and an associate professor in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. Her research focuses on the interplay between modifiable psychosocial and behavioural (e.g. exercise) factors and health status in various chronic illnesses and in relation to depression in populations at risk. This has laid the foundation for the knowledge-transfer phase of her program which focuses on tailoring and evaluating evidence-based e-health interventions to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize their health and wellness.

Research Study Summary:

• Is Internet Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Feasible for Insomnia in Lupus Patients?

Research Publications:

• Sleep Quality in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Associated with Disease Activity and Depressive Symptoms
• Determinants of Sleep Quality in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Determinants of Sleep Problems in Patients with Spondyloarthropathy

Dr. Mary De Vera, MSc, PhD, is a pharmacoepidemiologist and health services researcher in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She completed a BSc degree in Biochemistry at UBC and MSc and PhD degrees in Health Care and Epidemiology from the UBC School of Population and Public Health. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in perinatal pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and pharmaceutical outcomes research at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Research Study Summaries:

• Mapping the Epidemiology and the Role of Treatments in Mental Health Complications in Inflammatory Arthritis (MATTERS)
• Understanding the Experiences of Individuals With Immunosuppressive conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic (UNIFIED)

Research Publications:

• Defining Depression and Anxiety in Individuals With Rheumatic Diseases Using Administrative Health Databases: A Systematic Review
• Epidemiology of Depression and Anxiety in Gout: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
• The Incidence of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Opportunity to Participate in Research:

• The UNIFIED Study