Canada urgently needs new ways to provide rheumatology care that improve treatment and make it easier for people to get high-quality care. E-health technology is a new and promising way to do this, but it hasn't been studied much yet in rheumatology.
The investigators will test a new way to help people with rheumatoid arthritis at four clinics in Quebec. This study will check if the new approach is easy to use, fits well into the clinics' daily routine, and if both patients and healthcare workers find it helpful and acceptable.
This new approach involves nurses helping patients check their own health from home using an online platform.
104 adults who have rheumatoid arthritis and who have had a flare-up or a change in their medication in the last three months, will participate. Some will start using the online self-monitoring tool right away for 16 months, while others will continue with their usual care for 8 months before trying the tool. During the time they use the tool, they will fill out monthly online questionnaires to check their health. A rheumatology nurse will review their answers, suggest any needed care, provide personalized health information, and be available to answer questions through messages.
This new way of care, where nurses help patients monitor their rheumatoid arthritis from home, helps make better use of limited specialist time. It's more convenient for patients, especially those who live far away, and helps meet their needs between regular doctor visits while keeping the quality of care high.
Age ≥ 18 years
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to the ACR 2010 criteria
Disease duration ≥ six months
Who experienced a flare defined by an increase of the clinical disease activity index (CDAI) ≥ 4.5 or a DMARDs switch or addition within the preceding three months
Inability to consent
Inability to complete questionnaires
No Internet access
CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval
Lead sponsor
The Arthritis Society, Canada
Collaborator