Researchers at the University of Calgary are talking to adults with RA from across Canada to learn about how doctors can use decision aids to make shared decisions with patients about their treatment.
Patient decision aids are tools that can help patients and their doctors talk about treatment options together. When people learn they have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) they may feel overwhelmed. This can make it hard to choose between treatments. Decision aids help people to make treatment decisions based on what matters most to them.
Although there have been many studies showing that patient decision aids are helpful, researchers and healthcare providers do not know the best way to use them in RA clinics. In this study, researchers will learn about how decision aids can be used, make a plan to use one in clinic, and test the plan.
The study will happen in two phases. In the first phase, the researchers will talk to people living with RA from across Canada, as well as healthcare providers. The goal is to learn about how decision aids can be used and what things might make it easier or harder to use them. The researchers will take what they learn from the interviews to make a plan for using a decision aid. In phase two, the researchers will test the plan at a clinic in Calgary, Alberta. The goal is to see if the plan works to help patients and doctors make treatment decisions together. Click here to learn more about the study.
Right now, the researchers are looking for people to participate in the Phase 1 interviews. You can participate if you have rheumatoid arthritis and are over 18 years of age. Each participant will be asked to participate in one 45-60 minute interview over the phone or a video conference. Interviews will be conducted in English. If you have questions or would like to schedule a time for your interview, please contact the study coordinator, Nicole Spencer, at nicole.spencer@ucalgary.ca or call 403-210-8105.