Tele-rheumatology for Rheumatic Diseases
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
While tele-rheumatology (TR) visits are a COVID-19 related necessity, there is a lack of rigorous data on the comparative effectiveness of TR versus (vs) in-person usual care (UC) especially in medically at-risk populations such as people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD) using immunosuppressive drugs (IS). This clear research gap was highlighted by the American College of Rheumatology in its recent Task Force Report on Telehealth in the COVID era. In this study, the investigators will rigorously evaluate the comparative effectiveness of TR visits for high risk people living with RMD and among those from socially vulnerable populations, in the COVID-19 era. This study is of key public health importance and relevance to rheumatology since it addresses the urgent clinical and policy needs to provide safe, efficacious, and equitable care to diverse patients with RMD during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis. Our proposal is very responsive to the RRF's Notice of Special interest on COVID-19 in improving the care of people with RMD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigators will perform the first randomized experiment of tele-rheumatology, generating high quality evidence to guide the use of this technology across diverse populations of people with RMDs. Beyond the high public health impact of this study for people with RMDs, the investigators expect that our findings will have high generalizability to other at-risk patient populations with multimorbidity and inform rheumatology practice into the foreseeable future.
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 seems to focus on comparing tele-rheumatology visits with in-person care, so it's best to ask the trial organizers for more details.
Is tele-rheumatology safe for patients with rheumatic diseases?
There is limited information on the safety of tele-rheumatology, but studies suggest it is generally acceptable to patients and can reduce travel and time burdens. Some patients feel it is equivalent to in-person care after an initial adjustment period, though a few express the need for physical examinations by specialists.12345
How is the treatment 'Tele-rheumatology' different from other treatments for rheumatic diseases?
Tele-rheumatology is unique because it uses telehealth technology to provide care for rheumatic diseases, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. This approach can improve access to care, especially for those in remote areas, and may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment compared to traditional in-person visits.14678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Tele-rheumatology for Rheumatic Diseases?
Research shows that tele-rheumatology, which involves remote consultations and monitoring, is as effective as standard in-person care for managing rheumatic diseases. Patients reported similar satisfaction levels, and tele-rheumatology helped reduce travel and time off work, making it a convenient option for those living far from healthcare facilities.3691011
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people with rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus who are stable enough to not require in-person visits. It's especially aimed at those using immunosuppressive drugs and from socially vulnerable populations. However, it excludes individuals with unstable conditions needing face-to-face care or those without access to a phone.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either a usual care visit or a tele-rheumatology visit, followed by the alternate type of visit
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for patient satisfaction and preference post visits
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Tele-rheumatology
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
Rheumatology Research Foundation
Collaborator
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborator
Tulane University
Collaborator