Patient expectations and experiences of current and new gout management
Do you have gout and are aged 18 or over? This study wants to hear from you! We know many people with gout do not always have care of their condition optimised, and new ways to help manage it, like mobile apps, are being explored. We want to understand what people with gout really think about their condition and how it's currently managed. We'll also ask your opinion on potential future ways of managing gout, and ask about how doctors define when gout is under control. You'll complete a short online questionnaire about your gout and then take part in a chat with a researcher. Your experiences could help improve gout care for others in the future. The study is running online and in Edinburgh.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is called "Patient Expectations and Experiences of Current and New Gout Management." It aims to understand what it's like to live with gout, how people currently manage their condition, and what they think about new ways to help manage it. Researchers know that many people with gout don't use the long-term medications that are available, and new tools like mobile apps are being developed to help.
The main goal is to listen to people who have gout and learn from their real-life experiences. You'll be asked about your thoughts on managing gout and what it means to you for your gout to be "in remission" (or under control). Doctors have their own ideas about what remission means, and this study wants to see if your ideas are similar. Your views are really important, as they can help doctors and researchers create better ways to support people with gout.
By taking part, you'll be helping to improve the understanding of gout from a patient's point of view. This could lead to better information, support, and treatments for people with gout in the future, even if it doesn't directly change your own care right now. The study is being carried out by The University of Edinburgh.
Key takeaways
- Hear about your real-life experiences with gout.
- Help shape future gout management and support.
- Involves an online questionnaire and a chat with a researcher.
- Open to anyone aged 18+ with gout across the UK.
- No direct personal benefit, but helps others.
- You can take part online or in person in Edinburgh.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult, meaning you must be 18 years old or older. You also need to have been diagnosed with gout by a doctor, or have symptoms that strongly suggest you have gout based on medical guidelines.
There are a couple of reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you're unable to give your agreement to take part, or if you have limited English language skills that would make an interview difficult, then this study might not be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with gout by a doctor?
- Are you able to provide your agreement to take part?
- Do you speak English well enough for an interview?
What does participation involve?
If you're interested in taking part, you'll first receive clear information, either online or on paper, about what the study involves. You'll have plenty of time to read this and decide if you want to continue. Before officially joining, you'll answer some questions to check if you meet the study requirements.
If you're eligible and agree to take part, you'll sign a consent form. Then, you'll complete an online questionnaire about your gout history, current medicines, other health conditions, and how gout affects your daily life. This questionnaire should take about 20 minutes and you can do it at your own pace. Help will be available if you need it.
After the questionnaire, you'll be invited to a voluntary, audio-recorded interview. This chat will be about your experiences with gout, how you manage it, and what you think about your condition being in remission. Interviews can be done in person in Edinburgh or online via Microsoft Teams, at a time that suits you. You can choose to stop the interview or withdraw from the study at any time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Institute of Genetics and CancerCity onlyEdinburgh, Scotland
Common questions
What is the study about?
It's about understanding your experiences with gout and what you think about new ways to manage it, to help improve care for people with gout.
Who can take part?
Adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with gout.
What will I have to do?
You'll fill out a short online questionnaire (about 20 minutes) and then have an online or in-person chat with a researcher.
Do I get paid for taking part?
No, but any reasonable travel costs for attending an in-person interview will be reimbursed.
How long will the study run?
The study will be running from March 2025 until April 2026, with recruitment starting in August 2025 and finishing in September 2026.
What format will the interview be?From the study team
You can choose either to travel to the Institute of Genetics and Cancer in Edinburgh, where you will have a one-to-one chat with a research member in-person, or you can do the interview over the telephone.
How to find out more
Rowan Hart
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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