Virtual Self-Management Program for Juvenile Arthritis

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Calgary

Disqualifiers: Untreated psychiatric, Autoimmune, Neurologic, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The aim of this project is to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a virtual group based self-management program (SMP) in adolescents with JIA across different provinces compared to a wait-list control group receiving only standard of care. Participants in the SMP group will partake in four 60-90 minute group sessions conducted over 8 weeks. The intervention is a multifaceted program that includes JIA disease education, self-management strategies, and peer support. Both the interventional and control group will be asked to complete baseline and post-test measures. Participants in the control group will be offered the SMP after completion of the post-control outcome measures.

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 focused on a self-management program rather than medication changes.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Virtual Self-Management Program for Juvenile Arthritis?

Research shows that self-management programs, including internet-based ones, can improve health behaviors and outcomes for arthritis patients. Additionally, eHealth and mobile health interventions have been found to be effective in supporting the management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Virtual Self-Management Program for Juvenile Arthritis safe for humans?

The available research does not specifically address safety concerns, but self-management programs for juvenile arthritis, including virtual ones, are generally focused on providing information and support, which are typically safe for participants.

^{1 2 3 5 6}

How is the Virtual Self-Management Program for Juvenile Arthritis different from other treatments?

The Virtual Self-Management Program for Juvenile Arthritis is unique because it focuses on empowering young patients to manage their condition through online resources, providing disease information, self-management strategies, and social support, which is different from traditional treatments that often rely heavily on medication and in-person care.

^{1 2 3 4 7}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) who are interested in a virtual program to help manage their condition. Participants should be willing to attend online group sessions and complete certain health measures before and after the program.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 12 and 17 years old.

Willing and able to complete online measures

Followed in one of the pediatric rheumatology clinics participating in the RCT

Exclusion Criteria

I have other chronic conditions that could affect my treatment results.

I do not have untreated mental health issues that prevent me from understanding or participating in group activities.

Past participation in the last year or participating in another peer-support or self-management program

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants in the SMP group partake in four 60-90 minute virtual group sessions over 8 weeks, including JIA disease education, self-management strategies, and peer support.

8 weeks

4 virtual group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including completion of outcome measures.

4 weeks

Optional SMP for Control Group

Participants in the control group are offered the SMP after completion of the post-control outcome measures.

8 weeks

Participant Groups

The study is testing a Virtual Self-Management Program (SMP) that includes disease education, self-management strategies, and peer support over eight weeks, compared to standard care without this additional support.

Group I: SMP Program with Standard Care Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

four 60-90 minute virtual educational sessions over 8 weeks with a group of 4-6 participants

Group II: Standard Care Only Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard of care(no formal education program similar to SMP) and placed on 8-week waitlist for optional intervention.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Alberta Children's Hospital Calgary, Canada

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Calgary Lead Sponsor

University of Alberta Collaborator

University of Toronto Collaborator

University of Manitoba Collaborator

The Hospital for Sick Children Collaborator

University of British Columbia Collaborator

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acceptability of an Adolescent Self-Management Program for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. [2022] The study objective was to test the acceptability of a self-management program (SMP) for adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) focused on disease information, self-management, and social support needs.

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The internet-based arthritis self-management program: a one-year randomized trial for patients with arthritis or fibromyalgia. [2022] To determine the efficacy of an Internet-based Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) as a resource for arthritis patients unable or unwilling to attend small-group ASMPs, which have proven effective in changing health-related behaviors and improving health status measures.

3. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Young People's, Parents', and Professionals' Views on Required Components of Mobile Apps to Support Self-Management of Juvenile Arthritis: Qualitative Study. [2020] There is growing evidence that supporting self-management of Juvenile Arthritis can benefit both patients and professionals. Young people with Juvenile Arthritis and their healthy peers increasingly use mobile technologies to access information and support in day-to-day life. Therefore, a user-led, rigorously developed and evaluated mobile app could be valuable for facilitating young people's self-management of Juvenile Arthritis.

4. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of eHealth and mHealth Interventions Supporting Children and Young People Living With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. [2022] Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) management aims to promote remission through timely, individualized, well-coordinated interdisciplinary care using a range of pharmacological, physical, psychological, and educational interventions. However, achieving this goal is workforce-intensive. Harnessing the burgeoning eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) interventions could be a resource-efficient way of supplementing JIA management.

5. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Teens Taking Charge: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Self-Management Program With Telephone Support for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. [2020] Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a serious and potentially debilitating pediatric illness. Improved disease self-management may help to improve health outcomes.

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multisite Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating an Online Self-Management Program for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. [2020] To determine the efficacy in improving pain and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of an online self-management program for adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

7. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Usability testing of an online self-management program for adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. [2021] A new bilingual (English and French) Internet-based self-management program, Teens Taking Charge: Managing Arthritis Online, for adolescents with arthritis and their parents was developed following a needs assessment.