Personalized Outreach for Rheumatic Diseases
(POET-Rheum Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether financial incentives or personalized outreach can help people with rheumatic diseases (conditions causing pain and inflammation in joints) attend medical appointments more regularly. The study compares three groups to determine the most effective method: offering a small cash honorarium, providing both honoraria and outreach services, or neither. People with inflammatory arthritis connected to specific Vancouver health centers and able to attend in-person visits may be suitable candidates. Participants must fill out surveys and attend monthly check-ups if they begin certain medications.
As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance appointment attendance strategies for patients with rheumatic diseases.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It mainly focuses on improving appointment attendance through honoraria and outreach services.
What prior data suggests that these outreach methods are safe?
In a previous study, researchers explored how small financial rewards (honoraria) and outreach services can improve patient health. Reports have shown that financial incentives can positively influence health habits, with no direct evidence of safety issues from these non-medical approaches.
Since this study does not involve a new drug or medical treatment, typical safety concerns like side effects do not apply. Honoraria provide patients with a small financial reward for attending appointments, while outreach services offer personalized health reminders. These methods are generally considered safe because they do not involve medication or medical procedures.
For any concerns or questions about how these strategies might affect you, discussing them with the study team or your healthcare provider is advisable.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores new ways to help patients with rheumatic diseases stay engaged with their healthcare. Unlike standard treatments that focus on medication, this trial is testing the impact of personalized outreach and financial incentives, known as honoraria, on patient follow-up attendance. By combining these innovative approaches, the trial aims to find out if they can improve how often patients attend their appointments, which is crucial for managing chronic conditions like inflammatory arthritis. This could lead to better patient outcomes by ensuring more consistent care and monitoring.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving attendance rates at a rheumatology clinic?
Research shows that financial rewards, such as honoraria, can increase patient participation in healthcare. Studies have found that patients are more likely to attend appointments when they receive money. In this trial, one group will receive only honoraria. Another group will receive both honoraria and personalized outreach services, which can help reduce health disparities, especially in rheumatology. These services provide specific support and information, encouraging regular follow-up care. Combining honoraria with outreach services may further improve appointment attendance by addressing both financial and informational challenges.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Brent R Ohata, MD
Principal Investigator
University of British Columbia
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with various rheumatic diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis, who visit an inner city clinic in Vancouver. Participants should be willing to attend regular appointments and complete surveys. Details on specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Randomization and Baseline Assessment
Participants are randomized to receive either honoraria alone or honoraria with outreach services. Baseline surveys on health and rheumatic disease understanding are completed.
Treatment and Monitoring
Participants receive monthly in-person assessments and bloodwork monitoring. Outreach services include biweekly phone calls, text messages, or home visits.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment. Surveys and semi-structured interviews are conducted at 3-month and 6-month intervals.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Honoraria
- Outreach
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of British Columbia
Lead Sponsor
Mary Pack Arthritis Center
Collaborator