Considering the role of equity in rheumatology research
Scientific study title:
Assessing equity considerations in research among patients with inflammatory arthritis (ACCESS)
Principal Investigators:
Mary De Vera, PhD, University of British Columbia (UBC), Senior Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada
Co-Investigators:
Mark Harrison, PhD, UBC, Affiliate Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada
Cheryl Barnabe, MD, FRCPC, MSc, University of Calgary, Senior Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada
Antonio Avina-Zubieta, MD, FRCPC, PhD, UBC, Senior Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada
Charlene Ronquillo, PhD, RN, UBC-O
Megan Thomas, MSc, UBC, PhD Trainee, Arthritis Research Canada
Michael Kuluva, Creaky Joints
Anna Samson, McMaster University
Natasha Trehan, University of Ottawa, Member, Arthritis Patient Advisory Board of Arthritis Research Canada
Study Start Date:
June 2022
Study End Date:
May 2023
Why do this research?
Inflammatory arthritis affects many people in Canada and usually requires lifelong treatment. Patients with inflammatory arthritis have different health outcomes, and many of these differences are because of factors out of their control, such as their race, gender identity, or age, to name a few. Most research done in this field shows more data for patients who are White than other races, but we also are missing information on differences in health outcomes that are because of age, gender identity, location, education, or other factors. It is important to look at this topic because we need to understand how rheumatology research may be disadvantaging or harming certain people, and how to collect information that may affect patient outcomes.
What will be done?
We will conduct interviews with researchers and/or clinician scientists to ask about how they have used equity, diversity, and inclusion principles to inform recruitment of participants and collection of information on participants in their own studies.
Who is involved?
The team includes practicing rheumatologists, patient research partners, experts in epidemiology, health equity, health economics, and qualitative methods, and a PhD trainee. We will interview individuals who have experience conducting research studies in inflammatory arthritis in Canada.
How are Equity, Diversity and Inclusion addressed or taken into consideration?
The team includes practicing rheumatologists, patient research partners, experts in epidemiology, health equity, health economics, and qualitative methods, and a PhD trainee. We will interview individuals who have experience conducting research studies in inflammatory arthritis in Canada.
Funding Agency
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
How can people get involved?
Your participation in this study is voluntary and there are no foreseeable risks that are associated with this study. You will be asked to fill out a brief demographic survey and consent form before participating.
Your participation will involve a Zoom interview lasting about 60 minutes.
You may be eligible if you:
1) Have experience conducting research studies in inflammatory arthritis
2) Reside in and/or conduct research in Canada, and
3) Speak English or French
Contact Megan Thomas at megant01@student.ubc.ca to get involved.
