Health Coaching for Rheumatoid Arthritis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if peer coaching can reduce anxiety and depression in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Participants will work with either a peer coach who also has RA or a coach with a different chronic condition. Each participant will engage in weekly phone sessions for 9 weeks and complete surveys to track progress. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with RA who experience high levels of anxiety or depression and are currently on specific RA medications. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative support methods for managing mental health in RA patients.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants must be currently taking a Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic drug, so you may need to continue with that medication.
What prior data suggests that this peer coaching intervention is safe for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Research shows that peer coaching for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is generally safe. Previous studies on similar programs have found that participants often feel more confident in managing their health and experience better physical function, suggesting that patients receive the program well.
Some studies mention challenges, such as participants not sticking with the program or dropping out. While some may not complete the program, these issues do not relate to safety concerns. Overall, earlier research considers the peer coaching approach safe, with no major harmful effects reported.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how peer coaching could transform life with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unlike traditional treatments that focus on medications like methotrexate or biologics to manage inflammation, this approach emphasizes support from someone who understands RA firsthand. The peer coach, also living with RA, offers personalized guidance and motivation through phone sessions, creating a supportive environment that could enhance mental well-being and potentially improve physical outcomes. By comparing this method to coaching from someone with a different chronic condition, researchers hope to uncover the unique benefits of shared experiences in managing RA.
What evidence suggests that peer coaching is effective for reducing anxiety and depression in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Research has shown that peer coaching can be a useful tool for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this trial, participants in the "Healthier" arm will receive peer coaching from individuals who also have RA. Studies have found that peer coaches can help others manage their condition and improve mental health. Early results suggest that peer coaching can lower anxiety and depression in people with RA. A review of different peer coaching programs found that these programs help people take better care of themselves and improve their health. Thus, promising evidence suggests that peer coaching might help reduce anxiety and depression in people with RA.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Iris Y Navarro-Millán, MD
Principal Investigator
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis who may be experiencing anxiety or depression. Participants should be willing to engage with a peer coach weekly for 9 weeks and complete surveys. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria details are not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive weekly peer coaching sessions over a 9-12 week period
Post-Intervention Follow-up
Participants complete surveys at 3 weeks, 6, 12, and 24 months post-intervention to assess mental well-being
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Peer Coach
Trial Overview
The study tests if peer coaching can reduce anxiety or depression in RA patients over six months, comparing it to an active-control group coached on general health by non-RA individuals.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will have 9 telephone-delivered sessions, over a 9-12-week period, delivered by a peer coach (another person with RA). Data will be collected at baseline, midway through the intervention (after Session 4 of the intervention), 3 weeks after completion of the intervention, 6, 12, and 24 months after completion of the intervention using validated instruments.
Participants from will have 9 telephone-delivered sessions over a 9-12-week period delivered by a coach (a person without RA but who has a different chronic condition like osteoarthritis or diabetes). Data will be collected at baseline, midway through the intervention (after Session 4 of the intervention), 3 weeks after completion of the intervention, 6, 12, and 24 months after completion of the intervention using validated instruments.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Industry Sponsor
Christopher Boerner
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Chief Executive Officer since 2023
PhD in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley; BA in Economics and History from Washington University in St. Louis
Deepak L. Bhatt
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Chief Medical Officer since 2024
MD from Yale University; MSc in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania
Citations
A Development and Feasibility Study of a Peer Support ...
In summary, results from this preliminary study suggest that telephone peer support for RA patients is feasible and acceptable. The patients reported a variety ...
Health Coaching for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis to ...
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if peer coaching works to reduce levels of anxiety and/or depression in adults diagnosed with ...
Virtual training of rheumatoid arthritis peer coaches in ...
Peer coaching interventions are effective in helping individuals with chronic conditions understand their disease. Most peer coach training programs occur in ...
4.
acrabstracts.org
acrabstracts.org/abstract/improving-quality-of-life-through-connection-a-scoping-review-of-peer-coaching-interventions-in-the-field-of-rheumatology/A Scoping Review of Peer Coaching Interventions ...
Peer coaching is a promising tool for patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) to improve self-care strategies and health outcomes. This scoping ...
5.
creakyjoints.org
creakyjoints.org/about-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-healthy-living/ra-peer-coaching-for-cardiovascular-disease/Peer Coaching May Improve Heart Health for People with RA
'” These are preliminary findings, but initial results suggest that peer coaches have a positive impact on patients with rheumatoid arthritis ...
Protocol for a pragmatic feasibility randomised controlled ...
A number of studies have highlighted potential challenges of peer coaching such as coach well-being, low intervention adherence and high drop- ...
A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of ...
The primary outcomes were patients' RA knowledge, self-efficacy and empowerment. Secondary outcomes included participation in desired health behaviors, and ...
POS1454-PARE PEER EDUCATOR PATIENTS: A NEW ...
Objectives: To develop an educational program for patients with RA, led by expert patients with the same diagnosis, and previously trained for this purpose.
9.
acrabstracts.org
acrabstracts.org/abstract/the-effect-of-a-rheumatoid-arthritis-peer-support-program-on-clinical-outcomes/The Effect of a Rheumatoid Arthritis Peer Support Program ...
In linear regression analyses, the mentees had a significant improvement in self-efficacy (p=0.01) and physical function (p=0.007) compared to controls (see ...
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