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Understanding the experiences of individuals with immunosuppressive conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic (UNIFIED)

 

Scientific Study Title: 

Understanding the experiences of individuals with immunosuppressive conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic (UNIFIED)

 

Principal Investigators:         

Mary De Vera, PhD, Assistant Professor at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Scientist at ARC, Associate Director Education at Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation

 

Study Start Date: 

04/2020

Study End Date: 

TBD

 

Why do this research? 

In December 2019, SARS-COV-2, was identified as the cause of a new respiratory illness, eventually named as COVID-19. To slow the spread of COVID-19, public health measures such as social distancing and changes to the delivery of health care (e.g., virtual appointments, delayed surgery/treatment) have been put in place worldwide. Individuals with rheumatic diseases are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and the related health care system restructuring given their compromised immune systems and reliance on the health care system. To optimize health care delivery and provide better support to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on the care, treatments, and mental health of individuals living with rheumatic diseases.

 

What will be done?

We are conducting an international study using surveys distributed online.

 

You are eligible if you:

• have been diagnosed with a rheumatic disease
• are 18 years of age or older
• are able to complete surveys in English

 

How do people get involved?

To complete the UNIFIED-Rheum survey, please follow this link:
https://tinyurl.com/unifiedrheum

To learn more about the UNIFIED study, please visit our website: https://www.unifiedcovid.com/

For more information, please contact the study coordinator:
Louise Gastonguay
Email: louisega@mail.ubc.ca
Phone: 604-822-5697

 

Who is involved? 

Kam Shojania, MD, Clinical Professor and Head of UBC’s Faculty of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology

Eileen Davidson, Patient Partner, ARC Arthritis Patient Advisory Board

Hallie Dau, MPH, Research Coordinator at UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Louise Gastonguay, RN, BSc, MSA, Clinical Research Manager at UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Alyssa Howren, MSc, PhD Student at UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trainee at ARC

Nevena Rebić, BScPharm, MSc Student at UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trainee at ARC