Research Ongoing

A New Model of At-Home Follow-Up Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Scientific Study Title:

Acceptability of a nurse-led telehealth remote self-monitoring model of care in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a multicentre randomized pilot study

Start Date:

2026

End Date:

2028

Research Category

# Arthritis Care

Ready to Participate?

Life-changing arthritis research is only possible with your help!

Why do this research?

Reason For Research

Canada needs new ways to provide care for people living with rheumatoid arthritis that improve treatment and make it easier for people to get high-quality care. E-health technology is a new and promising way to do this. E-health means using digital tools like apps and computers. It can benefit patients, especially those who live far away, and can help meet their needs between regular doctor visits while keeping the quality of care high. E-health hasn’t been studied much in rheumatology.

This study will test a new way of providing care, where nurses will help patients monitor their rheumatoid arthritis from home using an online platform. This study will check if the new approach is easy to use, fits well into the clinics’ daily routine, and if both patients and healthcare workers find it helpful and acceptable.

Methodology

Execution of Research

This study will include adults, from four clinics in Quebec, who have rheumatoid arthritis and had a flare-up or a change in their medication in the last 3 months. Patients will be randomized into two groups:

Some will start using the online self-monitoring tool right away for 16 months,
Others will continue with their usual care for 8 months before trying the tool.

While using the tool, patients will fill out monthly online questionnaires to check their health. A rheumatology nurse will review their answers, suggest any needed care, provide personalized health information, and be available to answer questions through messages.

Who is involved?

Involvement

Team of rheumatologists and researchers across Canada
Rheumatology nurses and research nurses
Resident in internal medicine
Research assistant
Biostatistician
Informatic support for the tool
Patient Partners

How will/have patients contribute(d) to this research?

Two patient partners from the PIRA (patients intéressés par la recherche sur l’arthrite) group have been involved, since the beginning of the project, and will remain on this research project.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Recruitment advertisements will be posted in each rheumatology clinic waiting room. Rheumatologists will offer study enrollment to all consecutive eligible patients (in-person and virtual appointments).
French and English-speaking patients may participate in the project.
All research participation is online, so patients living remotely and/or having mobility issues can participate.