Completed - Arthritis Research Canada

Patient Decision Aids – Using them to Optimize Early Treatment in those with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dec 03, 2024

In this study, a previously developed and tested decision aid was used to help patients who are newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis make decisions about treatments. The focus was on understanding how best to use this tool in the clinic.

Discovering New Diagnostic Protein Markers for Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis

Nov 29, 2024

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is a muscle disease that’s hard to diagnose. We used advanced machine learning and mass spectrometry techniques to look for new biomarkers—specific proteins or antibodies that could help identify the disease.

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

Nov 29, 2024

Given their compromised immune systems, individuals with rheumatic diseases are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Additionally, they are greatly affected by the public health measures (e.g., social distancing, virtual appointments, and delayed surgery/ treatments) put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. This study investigated...

Improving gout care: Shared access to electronic medical records

Nov 25, 2024

Gout is a very painful type of arthritis that results from excess uric acid build-up in the body, leading to repeated inflammation and deformity in the joints. This sub-project of the PRECISION study examined if shared access to electronic medical records (from rheumatologists, pharmacists, and dieticians) improved gout care, prevented complications associated with gout, and ultimately improved patient health.

Arthritis Wellness Program for Indigenous People – Haida Gwaii

Nov 14, 2024

This study was conducted to develop a culturally relevant, family-based program for Indigenous people and family members to improve wellness when living with arthritis. Improved care and research by Indigenous people for Indigenous people.

Improving Quality of Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Oct 25, 2024

This research study aimed to monitor and improve the quality of care for patients through the implementation of a balanced scorecard. It was conducted in three phases and identified seven key critical areas essential for providing high-quality care for rheumatoid arthritis.

Developing a Patient Survey to Measure Quality of Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Oct 24, 2024

The goal of this survey was to have a standardized way to measure the quality of care of people living with rheumatoid arthritis based on a set of quality measures. The measures used are outlined in a national quality improvement framework for rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to create and test a tool that could help health care providers understand…

Diabetes medications and risk of heart disease in people with arthritis

Sep 11, 2024

People living with these autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk of heart problems due to the chronic inflammation. When combined with cardiac risk factors like type 2 diabetes and obesity these risks increase even further. This study compared the impacts of diabetes medications on the risk of heart disease among people with inflammatory arthritis.

Stop OsteoARthritis: A Proof-of-Concept Study (SOAR 2.0)

Sep 08, 2024

The SOAR, or Stop OsteoARthritis, Program aims to improve user’s ability to self-manage their knee health through education, personalized exercise, activity tracking, and weekly action planning. The second step to testing the SOAR program was to assess if the program could improve health outcomes reported to be important to participants at increased risk of knee OA after a sport-related knee…

Improving strength training in people with rheumatoid arthritis

Aug 19, 2024

Strong muscles are important for people with rheumatoid arthritis, but only up to 14 per cent of people with the disease regularly do strength training exercises. The I START (Improving Strength Training and Tailoring among people with Rheumatoid ARThritis) project found many ways to customize physical activity programs for people with arthritis.

Active self-management of rheumatoid arthritis using a fitness tracker

Aug 10, 2024

This project investigated whether an online intervention app can improve a patient’s ability to manage their rheumatoid arthritis. The “On-demand Program to EmpoweR Active Self-management” (OPERAS) links to a Fitbit Flex and combines disease activity monitoring and physical activity counselling.

Assessing Meaningful Patient Engagement in Research

Aug 07, 2024

Patient engagement helps make research more relevant to the needs of patients, but there is currently no tool to assess the extent to which patients are meaningfully engaged in research. The “Patient Engagement in Research Scale” (PEIRS) assessed meaningful patient engagement.

Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR 1.0)

Jul 26, 2024

In Canada, about 500,000 youth hurt their knee every year while playing sports. Half of them go on to develop knee osteoarthritis (OA) at a young age. Following a knee injury, people may have weaker knee muscles, become less physically active, and gain weight. The injury, in combination with these other factors greatly raises osteoarthritis risk. The treatment of youth…

How Well Are We Treating Early Rheumatoid Arthritis in Canada?

Jun 24, 2024

The Arthritis Alliance of Canada developed a way to test the success of care models, focusing on access to care and early treatment using a set of quality measures. This research investigated if the healthcare system is doing a good job in providing care for people with early rheumatoid arthritis, making sure that they get the necessary treatments quickly.

Rheumatology Care for Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Manitoba: A Closer Look at Access and Follow-up

Jun 24, 2024

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in children. It is important that children get diagnosis and treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis as early as possible. The Arthritis Alliance of Canada developed ‘Models of Care for Inflammatory Arthritis’ that use a set of quality measures for inflammatory forms of arthritis. This study looked at two…

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Care in British Columbia and Alberta

Jun 24, 2024

Early and targeted treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can greatly improve patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of RA care in two Canadian provinces, British Columbia and Alberta by looking at four system-level quality measures.

Will using your arthritis medications during pregnancy cause you or your baby to have more infections?

Feb 02, 2024

It is not clear how arthritis medications affect the immune system of pregnant women or their babies after birth. This study found that using biologics during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of serious infections in mothers after delivery or in babies during their first year of life.

Exploring the health benefits of everyday activities for people with inflammatory arthritis

Jan 18, 2024

There is little research data on the types of activities that support living well with inflammatory types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis). This research aimed to explore the relationship between health and people's everyday activities, in adults with inflammatory arthritis.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Rheumatology Research

Apr 05, 2023

This study was done to emphasize that rheumatology research should include patients who represent factors often called determinants of health inequities e.g., gender, sex, race, education. This is especially true in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Computer models helps assess the burden of osteoarthritis and low back pain

Oct 04, 2022

A 2-pronged study looked at the burden of Osteoarthritis (OA) and low back pain (LBP) and strategies to prevent, as well as demonstrating the usefulness of the software SimYouLate

Using Technology to Predict the Risk of Heart Disease for People with Lupus

Oct 04, 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as heart disease and stroke, is the most common cause of death in people with lupus. Using a SLE-CALCULATOR, the research team developed and tested a risk prediction tool for heart disease and stroke in people with lupus.

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness in Patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Jan 18, 2022

Individuals living with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases were excluded from COVID-19 vaccine trials. This study will help determine whether COVID-19 vaccination is effective and/or safe in patients with diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis.

A New Method to Measure Health Literacy

Jan 09, 2022

This study found that current health literacy tools fall short in evaluating the essential skills required by people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to practice effective self-management practices.

Rheumatoid arthritis Care for Diverse Populations in Canada – Supporting Changes to Better Reflect Realities

Jun 17, 2021

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 will gather information to understand the rheumatoid arthritis care experience for Black Canadians and Canadians with diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

What is the connection between anxiety and other symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis?

Aug 06, 2020

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the general population. Depression, in particular, has been linked to increased RA symptoms, such as fatigue, diminished treatment response, and greater disability. Depression and anxiety affect the quality of life for patients living with RA and represent a large gap in patient care...

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Complications in People with SARDs

Jul 28, 2020

Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) are a group of rare diseases in which a person’s immune system malfunctions and attacks its own tissues. SARDs include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), and the systemic vasculitides ...

Measuring geographic differences in care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients

Nov 29, 2019

Using a patient-centred approach this research measured the geographic variation in access to care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Knee Osteoarthritis Self-Management and Knowledge Project

Nov 27, 2019

The goal of this project was to help early knee osteoarthritis patients manage their disease by increasing their involvement in their care process with family doctors. Working with patients, family doctors and other key parties, we created an App, named Knee OA Self-management and Knowledge Application (KOASK). KOASK is able to create a guided self-management plan and provide reliable information…

Arthritis and Employment: Making it Work (Phase I)

Oct 22, 2019

People with inflammatory arthritis commonly have to stop working because of the limitations imposed by their disease. This has a tremendous impact on their quality of life, and financially for themselves, their families and society. This study addresses the development and pilot testing of a self-management program to help people with rheumatoid arthritis stay employed.

Arthritis and Employment: Making it Work (Phase II)

Oct 22, 2019

In response to participant feedback, Phase II sees the creation of a web-based, eLearning version of the Making it Work project. Work loss is a common and early outcome of inflammatory arthritis. This can have a major impact on people’s quality of life, and has a high cost to those affected, their families and society. This novel program is aimed…

Understanding patients’ experiences as partners in research

Aug 24, 2019

Patient engagement in research (PEIR) is a new way of doing health research where patients and members of the public become part of the scientific research team. In this study, researchers want to understand how patients who become involved in research teams deal with and adapt to the challenges they face in their new role. Understanding how and why it…

Management of gout from the patient perspective

Aug 24, 2019

This study was developed to improve gout care. By conducting one-on-one interviews with individuals with gout in an effort to understand their experience managing gout. The information collected will be used to adapt ways of delivering care and thereby improve health outcomes in gout.

Team effort proves effective in managing gout

Apr 08, 2019

The study showed that a collaborative team ehealth approach was feasible and effective in managing gout. The research found that uric acid levels decreased during the study with over two-thirds of patients hitting their target levels.

A super-app to self-diagnose and manage knee osteoarthritis

Mar 15, 2019

Studies show that most people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) aren’t diagnosed early enough, or at all. This study combined three apps (Arthritis ID, OPEN, and FitViz) into one super-app for detecting knee OA to improve knee health.

Is ‘Big Data’ a big deal for healthcare in Canada?

Feb 07, 2019

Most people who did this study’s online survey supported using datasets from our public health care system for health research, if personal information was removed. It was seen as important to studying long-term outcomes in large numbers of people.

How much extra time do people with certain systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) lose from paid and unpaid work, and what are the costs?

Aug 16, 2018

The study focused on three systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs): systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis/scleroderma, and Sjogren’s syndrome, and how they affected the patients’ ability to work.

Price caps for generic drugs: Ensuring fair pricing and reducing potential shortages for Canadians

Mar 12, 2018

In Canada, generic drugs are priced cheaper than brand names to make generic markets more competitive and to reduce drug costs. This study was a practical starting point toward determining the impact of different price-caps on generic drug market competition across Canada.

Biologic drugs for spondyloarthritis patients: do policies in different countries affect costs and health?

Feb 09, 2018

The study compared different countries’ policies in administering biologics and how those requirements may lead to extra costs without any added health benefit for the patient. The study showed extra costs result when patients who are not benefiting from biologics continue to take the drug and that patients and doctors can work together to save costs and improve health.

Biologic drugs for SpA: does following recommendations affect patients’ cost and health?

Feb 09, 2018

The study showed that there were no differences in costs or in health between patients who received a biologic when recommended and those who did not. Moreover, the study showed that patients who received a biologic when recommended had better health than those who did not, as well as reductions in certain types of costs.

How can we tell if Ankylosing Spondylitis care is being given according to recommendations?

Feb 09, 2018

With specialist doctors having differences of opinion about recommended AS care, through feedback from the specialists, this researcher developed a way to measure whether AS care is being given according to recommendations.

The costs of early spondyloarthritis

Feb 09, 2018

This study created a database of cost and health information that will let researchers look into many questions that affect spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients.

Is it safe to run if you have knee osteoarthritis?

Jan 03, 2018

Running is an activity that provides health benefits, but many people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) stop running because they are unsure if it is safe. This study evaluated the effects of running on the knee joint and knee cartilage. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare how knee cartilage responded to running in people with and without OA

Measuring Different Care Approaches for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dec 21, 2017

With the growing demands due to the insufficient number of rheumatologists – specialist physicians who care for patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) – the “Model of Care for Inflammatory Arthritis” was developed to promote best practices for early diagnosis and treatment of IA. We developed measures to evaluate the model’s ability to provide access and timely treatment for IA patients.

Managing Lupus and you: Navigate your journey with MyLupusGuide – Part I

Dec 20, 2017

The study was responsible for the development of The Lupus Interactive Navigator (LIN) a web-based self-management program for people with lupus and then further tested its usability and acceptability with lupus patients.

Self-Management Support for Underserved Populations with Arthritis and Co-Morbidities

Dec 11, 2017

People with chronic diseases and arthritis can use self-management support programs and services to improve their health and manage their illnesses. These approaches do not necessarily meet the needs of people living with arthritis in underserved and vulnerable populations.This study will be used to develop policy and education tools to improve quality of care for those in underserved populations.

Arthritis Wellness Program for Indigenous People – Kwakiutl District Council

Dec 06, 2017

This study was conducted to develop a culturally meaningful, family-based program for Indigenous people and family members to improve wellness when living with arthritis. Improved care and research by Indigenous people for Indigenous people.

The use of Case Managers for arthritis care in First Nations communities

Dec 06, 2017

This study partnered with First Nations communities to develop and evaluate culturally responsive case manager programs designed to improve wellness in First Nations people who have arthritis and other chronic conditions.

A study of the risk of blood clots in patients with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Jul 05, 2017

Using a population-based database that includes all people living in BC, this study looked at the rate of venous thromboembolism (blood clots) in patients diagnosed with GPA compared to the general population (people without GPA).

Providing appropriate rheumatoid arthritis care to First Nations populations

Mar 17, 2017

The occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis in Indigenous populations is three times higher than the general population, and often more severe. This study looked at the delivery of culturally appropriate treatment to help eliminate gaps in health care to meet the needs of Indigenous people.

Increasing and improving physical activity for patients with inflammatory arthritis

Jan 31, 2017

Reasons for inactivity include motivation, exercise doubts, and limited counselling. The OPAM-IA program for improved physical activity combines the Fitbit Flex activity tracker, the new FitViz app, and physical activity counselling to help people with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus be more physically active, safely and at their own pace.

Supporting physical activity in people with knee osteoarthritis

Jan 25, 2017

Despite overwhelming evidence that physical activity improves health and quality of life, over 50 per cent of people with arthritis are not physically active. SuPRA is a program that combines the activity tracker Fitbit Flex and the FitViz app with physical activity counselling to help those with knee pain to be more physically active, safely and at their own pace.

It IS About Us

Sep 09, 2016

A joint project with Arthritis Research Canada’s Arthritis Patient Advisory Board (APAB) and health researchers who have experience engaging with patients in research. Analysis of the perspectives shared by participants is ongoing. Based on findings, user-friendly resources for patients, researchers, and research organizations to support patient engagement in research are being developed.

MONITOR-OA: Improving physical activity for those with knee osteoarthritis.

Aug 12, 2016

MONITOR-OA is a program that uses activity trackers to help people with knee pain set goals to be more physically active, safely. and at their own pace.

PAthway To Health (PATH): Fostering culturally appropriate physical activities using digital technology in Indigenous communities

Oct 03, 2015

This project tested a physical activity mentoring program in partnership with Arthritis Research Canada, to improve health and wellness in the served by Kwakiutl District Health Centres.

Track OA: Improving physical activity using a wearable activity tracker for patients with knee osteoarthritis

Feb 04, 2015

Physical activity can reduce pain and improve people’s ability to move around. This study tested a new program that uses wearable activity trackers to help people with knee pain set goals and get active at a pace that’s right for them.

Preventing Complications with Improved Physical Activity: Can Self-Monitoring Technologies Help?

Jan 01, 2015

The study focused on developing a web application called FitViz which gathers data from patients’ Fitbit and allows their health professionals to use this data in setting personalized goals with the patient. The use of Fitbit and FitViz appeared to increase physical activity awareness, and helped in setting realistic goals.

Reducing Cognitive Impairment and Improving Joint health in Older Adults

Jun 06, 2014

This study developed ways to improve the use of effective prevention and treatment options for brain and joint health with a focus on physical activity, and timely use of arthritis treatment. This included testing digital media test tools with the public and health professionals.

Access and Utilization of Healthcare for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Indigenous People in Alberta

Jun 04, 2014

This study looked at patterns of healthcare utilization for arthritis care among Indigenous people. It reveals reasons for low specialist care-utilization by Indigenous patients, driven by prior experiences in the healthcare settings.

Need help making a decision about rheumatoid arthritis treatment? Introducing ANSWER-2!

Nov 11, 2013

In this project, we will develop ANSWER-2, a decision aid for people who are considering biologics. Once the tool is developed, we will test whether ANSWER-2 is able to improve people’s experiences of making this treatment decision.

How can online physical activity monitoring tools be used in arthritis care?

Nov 06, 2013

This study examined how exercise tools such as diaries, pedometers, multisensory devices and global positioning system (GPS) monitors are used by people with arthritis, as well as what influences the patients’ use of these tools.

Arthritis Health Journal: An innovative online self-management tool for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

Nov 06, 2013

People who are actively involved in the management of their chronic disease tend to be more successful in reaching their health goals and have better treatment outcomes. The Arthritis Health Journal was developed to help rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients monitor their symptoms, track their disease activity, and develop action plans with their rheumatologists to better manage RA and improve health…

Assessing the Complications of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Jun 03, 2013

This study sought to better understand the complications of PsA (psoriatic arthritis) and to generate valuable information about the progression from PsC (psoriasis) to to better serve patients.

One-on-one Education for Family Doctors Improves Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sep 13, 2012

This study was designed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention targeted to family physicians to inform them of the recent changes in the way RA is treated and provide them with tools to help them implement current treatment guidelines.

A New Colour-Coded Imaging Method to Diagnose Gout

Feb 21, 2012

This study has shown that the Dual Energy CT scan (DECT) can be used reliably as a tool to help diagnose gout, and rule out other types of arthritis.

OPEN (Osteoarthritis Physical Activity & Exercise Net): Can an interactive website increase physical activity in people with previously undiagnosed early knee osteoarthritis?

Oct 17, 2011

This project directly targetted physical inactivity at a time when the joint damage tends to be mild, and when people are more motivated to adopt a healthy behaviour.

Preventing hip pain and hip osteoarthritis

Oct 16, 2011

There has been a long debate as to whether certain types of physical activity (such as hockey, soccer and cycling) cause hip osteoarthritis (OA). The research team will look at whether having one or more subtle deformities of the hip, combined with physical activity, can cause cartilage damage and eventually OA.

Animated, Self-serve, Web-based Research tool (ANSWER): A decision aid for people with early rheumatoid arthritis.

Nov 10, 2010

The tool, ANSWER, helps people who are recently diagnosed with RA make informed, timely decisions about using Methotrexate, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug used to treat RA.

Advancing technology to improve health care decision-making

Oct 13, 2009

Computer simulation modeling is a technique that sees how health care interventions and policies will affect the population, before they are implemented. The STAR project showed that results from simulation models are trustworthy and can help both scientists and healthcare decision-makers.

Arthritis, parenting and household work

Apr 25, 2009

Arthritis symptoms like pain and fatigue affect many roles in life.This study looked at the impact inflammatory types of arthritis have on parenting tasks and household work and what solutions are available to assist with challenges in parenting and household work.

Assessing Heart Disease and Stroke Risk in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Apr 25, 2009

Due to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke in SLE patients, this study looked at how often the known factors that increase heart attack and stroke were checked in SLE and whether or not definitive action was taken.

Research: Completed