Comorbidity Management in Rheumatic Disease.

Launched by WESTERN UNIVERSITY, CANADA · Aug 28, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "Comorbidity Management in Rheumatic Disease," is looking at how to better care for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, leading to painful swelling in the joints and making individuals more vulnerable to other health issues like infections, heart problems, and weak bones. The trial aims to see if adding a family doctor to the team of rheumatologists can help manage these additional health concerns. Patients will visit a special family physician clinic where their heart health, vaccination needs, and bone strength will be checked. After six months, their rheumatologist will evaluate how well these health markers have improved.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between 18 and 80 years old, have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and be able to communicate in English. They should not have significant cognitive impairments that would make it hard for them to take part in the study. Patients who are pregnant or outside the age range will not be included. The goal of this study is to find out if this new approach can help people with rheumatoid arthritis stay healthier and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria: Participants will be patients of the Waterloo Rheumatology Community Clinic, aged 18 to 80 years of age, with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will have a minimum of limited working proficiency in English and no significant cognitive impairment that can inhibit their ability to engage in the study.
• • Exclusion Criteria: Age less than 18 years or greater than 80 years, significant cognitive impairment that impedes ability to engage in the study or unwilling to participate in the study. Patients that are currently pregnant will be excluded from the study as well. Whether or not a participant is enrolled with a primary care physician or nurse practitioner will not impact the intervention.