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  • What We've Learned
Rheumatoid arthritis Care for Diverse Populations in Canada – Supporting Changes to Better Reflect Realities
Health-equity-research
Scientific Study Title:
Rheumatoid arthritis Care for Diverse Populations in Canada – Supporting Changes to Better Reflect Realities
Start Date:
  • 2021
End Date:
  • 2023 ​
Research Category
Tags
Cheryl Barnabe-Website Headshot-400x400
Cheryl Barnabe
Senior Scientist, Rheumatology, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Diane Lacaille-Website Headshot-400x400
Diane Lacaille
MDCM, MHSc, FRCPC, Scientific Director, Rheumatology
Glen Hazlewood-Website Headshot-400x400
Glen Hazlewood
Research Scientist, Rheumatology, MD, PhD, FRCPC
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Nejat Hassen
BA, MSc, PhD Candidate
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Megan Thomas
BSc, MSc, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow

Why did we do this research?

Reason For Research

Some healthcare providers and researchers have a limited understanding of the barriers to care that exist for people who are members of populations that experience inequities. We needed to determine which approaches in rheumatology care are desired, effective and improve outcomes for all people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and put them into practice. The two years previous to this research, we explored the experiences of RA care of various populations: persons from rural and remote areas, those who are of Indigenous ethnicity, persons who are elderly with frailty, population groups who have immigrated to Canada, those who are homeless or have low income, and who are women pursuing motherhood. In speaking with people from these diverse communities and their healthcare providers, we developed guiding principles for RA treatment recommendations reflective of their unique circumstances. With this research, we sought to expand this work further.

What did we do?

Execution of Research

We gathered information to understand the RA care experience for Black Canadians and Canadians with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. This informed how RA treatment recommendations are put into practice, so that the approaches taken reflect their needs and realities. We shared the information we gathered by developing materials and an online medical education program for arthritis care providers in Canada. Our evaluation included the impact of this work on providers’ awareness and any changes they make in their approach to providing arthritis care.

How Can People Get Involved?

Involvement

The research team included researchers with expertise in equity and guideline development, rheumatologists and patients representing Black Canadians and persons with diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. We recruited up to 15 patients from each of these 2 population groups who have RA, and up to 15 rheumatology care providers who had experience in delivering care to persons from these populations. Once we designed the continuing medical education program, we advertised it to rheumatology care providers throughout Canada to take.

Media and Infographics

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