Co-designing a physical activity behavior change toolkit to promote effective rheumatoid arthritis self-management

In rheumatoid arthritis care, patients face long waits and frequent appointments. Using a patient-initiated follow-up model can help patients avoid unnecessary appointments and reduce wait times, but this only works if patients have enough support to manage their disease. Physical activity is essential for managing RA, but many people with RA do not have enough support to become and stay physically active. We want to change that. Our plan has three parts: first, we’ll figure out what physical activity support patients need. Next, we’ll work with patients and healthcare partners to design tailored support tools for physical activity. Finally, we’ll check if patients and healthcare providers find these tools helpful. Our goal is to empower Canadians to better manage their RA and use what we learn to create more self-management tools (to manage fatigue and other challenges) for RA and other chronic diseases.

Faculty Supervisor:

Claire Barber

Student:

Partner:

The Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network (AHS)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Calgary

Program: