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  • What We're Working On
Measuring what matters in rheumatology in Alberta to improve care delivery
Alberta-Care-System-Study_PLS-image
Scientific Study Title:
Implementation of the Alberta Rheumatology Provincial Learning Health System
Start Date:
  • 2023
End Date:
  • 2027
Research Category
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Why do this research?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis caused by the body attacking itself. It's quite common, affecting about 1 in 100 people. People with RA often have pain and swelling in their joints, which can make it hard to do things they enjoy. If left untreated, RA can cause disability, which means it's hard to do everyday activities. It can also lead to expensive surgeries to replace damaged joints, can increase the risk of heart and lung problems, and can even lead to death. But with the right treatment early on, people can live longer and have a better quality of life.

Our group has spent ten years collaborating with the national rheumatology community to create ways to measure good healthcare for people with RA. One of the main difficulties in measuring how patients are doing is the amount of information available. However, in Alberta, a new electronic health record is being set up. This is a great chance to use the new system to measure how care is given and how patients are doing across the province. This could also help us create a "learning health system" where we learn from the data collected in everyday patient visits and make sure the care provided is top-notch according to established quality measures.

What will be done?

This project will develop the ‘Alberta Rheumatology Learning Health System’, a tool designed to improve rheumatology care. The tool will improve care by making sure the care provided meets the highest standards. To develop the Alberta Rheumatology Learning Health System, the project will follow these steps:

  • Bring together individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis, healthcare providers, and health system leaders to select health outcome measures from a national framework.
  • Develop strategies with data experts to track these measures over time using health record data.
  • Work with experts to find the best ways to give feedback to healthcare providers and leaders to improve care and outcomes.
  • Share findings with regional and national organizations to contribute to quality improvement efforts nationally.

The Research Team

Principal Investigator

  • Claire Barber, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Research Scientist, Rheumatology, Arthritis Research Canada (University of Calgary)
  • Steven Katz MD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, (University of Alberta)

Co Investigators

  • Cheryl Barnabe, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Senior Scientist, Rheumatology, Arthritis Research Canada (University of Calgary)
  • Glen Hazlewood, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Research Scientist, Rheumatology, Arthritis Research Canada (University of Calgary)
  • Diane Lacaille, MDCM, MHSc, FRCPC, Scientific Director, Arthritis Research Canada (University of British Columbia)
  • Allyson Jones, PT, PhD, Affiliate Scientist, Rehabilitation Sciences, Arthritis Research Canada (University of Alberta); Dr. A. Ambasta, Dr. N. Gakhal, Dr. A. Kania-Richmond , Mrs. J. Robert, Dr. A. Steiman, Dr. J. Widdifield, Dr. T. Williamson, Dr. E. Yacyshyn

How Can People Get Involved?

Individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis, healthcare providers, and health system leaders will work together to guide the research and share findings. Regional and national rheumatology organizations will also partner with the researchers to share findings and help improve healthcare processes.

If you are an Alberta resident and interested in getting involved please reach out to racheal.githumbi@ucalgary.ca.

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