Rheumatoid Arthritis Care in Alberta - ‘The right care at the right time by the right provider’

What We're Working On

Rheumatoid Arthritis Care in Alberta – ‘The right care at the right time by the right provider’

Scientific Study Title:

Implementation pilot of a shared-care model for rheumatoid arthritis leveraging an “on-demand” follow-up strategy

Start Date:

February 2024

End Date:

Late 2025

Research Category

Arthritis Care

Why do this research?

Reason For Research

Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong condition that needs ongoing monitoring. Follow-up appointments are scheduled every 6-12 months regardless of patient need. As a result, most rheumatology appointments are with people with stable rheumatoid arthritis. This leaves less time to see patients with urgent concerns like flares. There are also shortages of rheumatologists, which makes accessing care difficult. This has led to a system that cannot deliver the appropriate treatment when it is most needed and make sure it is delivered by the right health care provider.

We are testing a different way of providing care. This will involve rheumatology healthcare providers, people with rheumatoid arthritis, and family doctors.

What will be done?

Execution of Research

We are testing a ‘patient-initiated’ model of delivering care that we call “Appointments By Choice”, or “ABC”. In this model, patients and/or family doctors arrange rheumatology care when needed.

The test is being done with around 100 adults with rheumatoid arthritis at our Calgary clinic. Patients decide on a follow-up appointment between 1-3 years, depending on their preference. The decision is made in discussion with their rheumatologist. Disease activity is being captured through questionnaires and bone imaging. A rheumatology pharmacist is available anytime to deal with urgent rheumatoid arthritis-related concerns such as flares. At the end of the study, participants can share their experiences in an interview with the study team.

How Can People Get Involved?

Involvement

Our partners in Calgary, Alberta include:

Individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis,
Rheumatology healthcare providers, including rheumatologists and an experienced pharmacist at the clinic
Leadership and administrative staff at the clinic
Implementation experts
The Department of Radiology at the University of Calgary.