Family Physician Consultations for Rheumatoid Arthritis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if adding a family doctor to a team of arthritis specialists can help people with rheumatoid arthritis better manage other health issues. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to infections, heart problems, and bone issues, so the study focuses on improving vaccinations, heart health, and bone strength for these patients. It includes a special clinic visit where patients are checked for heart disease and bone health and receive vaccinations if needed. The trial seeks participants with rheumatoid arthritis who are already patients at the Waterloo Rheumatology Community Clinic. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to enhance overall health management for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop your current medications. It seems the focus is on adding a family doctor to your care team, which might lead to changes in your treatment plan, but it's not clear if stopping medications is required.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
Research shows that including a family doctor in the care team for people with rheumatoid arthritis can be safe and beneficial. This approach aims to enhance overall health by monitoring infections, heart issues, and bone health.
The treatment involves regular health checks, such as blood pressure and cholesterol tests. Vaccinations are administered if needed, following health guidelines. These standard healthcare procedures are generally well-tolerated. No new or unexpected risks have been reported with these practices.
In summary, involving a family doctor is safe because these are common, low-risk medical activities. This treatment focuses on managing existing health issues alongside arthritis without introducing new risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Primary Care Rheumatology Family Physician Consultation because it offers a holistic approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis by integrating comprehensive health assessments and targeted interventions. Unlike current treatments that primarily focus on controlling inflammation and pain, this method emphasizes the management of comorbidities such as cardiovascular health and bone density. By providing personalized care, including vaccinations and routine health checks, this approach aims to improve overall patient well-being and potentially prevent complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
What evidence suggests that this method is effective for managing rheumatoid arthritis comorbidities?
Research shows that including a family doctor in the care team for rheumatoid arthritis can be very helpful. In this trial, participants will receive consultations through a comprehensive comorbidity clinic with a primary care rheumatology family physician. Effective communication between a regular doctor and specialists can enhance overall health, leading to more vaccinations, improved heart health, and stronger bones. Studies have found that involving a family doctor may offer better protection against infections and heart problems. Although specific research on rheumatoid arthritis is still developing, early results suggest that regular check-ups and medication adjustments by a family doctor can lead to better health outcomes.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Cassandra Schulz
Principal Investigator
Western University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. Participants should be seeing a rheumatologist regularly and need help managing related health issues like infections, heart problems, and bone strength.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Comorbidity Clinic Intervention
Participants attend a comprehensive comorbidity clinic where they receive assessments and treatments for vaccinations, cardiovascular health, and bone health.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for improvements in health management markers, including vaccination status, cardiovascular health, and bone health.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Primary Care Rheumatology Family Physician Consultation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Western University, Canada
Lead Sponsor
Canadian Rheumatology Association (CIORA)
Collaborator