Palliative and Supportive Care to Help People With Arthritis to Live Well (ENRICH)
The ENRICH study is looking into how 'Palliative and Supportive Care' (PSC) can help people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis to live better. These conditions often cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and tiredness, affecting daily life and feelings. The study wants to understand what support people with arthritis need and how healthcare professionals can work together to provide it. This research involves talking to patients and healthcare staff, and bringing them together to suggest ways to improve care. The main goal is to find out how to better support people with inflammatory arthritis to live well throughout their lives.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called ENRICH, is all about improving the lives of people living with inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as ongoing pain, stiff joints, difficulty moving, and extreme tiredness. These symptoms can make everyday activities challenging and can also affect how you feel emotionally. While Palliative Care often involves support towards the end of life, Supportive Care is about helping people with long-term conditions live well for many years, managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.
The researchers want to understand what kind of support people with inflammatory arthritis currently get and what they feel is missing. They believe that healthcare professionals who provide support and palliative care could do more to help people with arthritis, but they need to better understand the condition. By gathering information from patients and healthcare providers, the study aims to identify what isn't working as well as it could be in current care.
Ultimately, the goal is to create new recommendations for healthcare practice and future research. This will help make sure that people with inflammatory arthritis receive the best possible support throughout their journey, enabling them to manage their symptoms, maintain their well-being, and live as well as they can for as long as they can.
Key takeaways
- The ENRICH study explores how supportive care can improve life for people with inflammatory arthritis.
- It's an 'observational' study, meaning no new treatments, just sharing experiences.
- Participants include those with conditions like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
- The research aims to identify unmet patient needs and suggest better ways for healthcare staff to work together.
- Your input could help shape future care and research for inflammatory arthritis.
- Participation involves online interviews or discussions, usually a one-off commitment.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) with a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. This includes types like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, or Axial Spondyloarthritis.
It's important that you can understand and communicate in English, either on your own or with the help of an interpreter chosen by you or provided by the research team. You also need to have access to Microsoft Teams (an online meeting tool) or a telephone, as the interviews will be conducted using these. Whether you are currently receiving Palliative Care services or not, you can still participate.
However, if you have memory problems or other issues with understanding and communicating, or if an interpreter isn't available for non-English speakers, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis (like Rheumatoid, Psoriatic, or Axial Spondyloarthritis)?
- Can you understand and communicate in English (or via an interpreter)?
- Do you have access to Microsoft Teams or a telephone for online/phone calls?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
This study is an 'observational study', which means you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. Instead, the researchers want to hear about your experiences and thoughts. If you take part, you might be asked to have a one-on-one online interview with a researcher to share your views on how supportive care could help you live well. These interviews will take place using Microsoft Teams or over the phone.
Some participants from these interviews, along with healthcare professionals and representatives from charities, might then be invited to join an online group discussion (a focus group). In these groups, everyone will talk about the study's findings and help decide what changes are needed in patient care and future research. The study does not involve hospital visits, medication, or long-term follow-up beyond these discussions. The total duration of your involvement would depend on which parts you participate in, but generally would involve a single interview or a single interview and a single focus group.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Dorothy House HospiceBath, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'Palliative and Supportive Care'?
Palliative Care generally supports people in the later stages of a serious illness, while Supportive Care helps people manage a long-term condition earlier on to improve their quality of life.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this is an 'observational study', meaning you won't be given any new medicines or treatments. It's about gathering your experiences.
What will I actually have to do if I join?
You might be asked to do an online or phone interview, and possibly join an online group discussion to share your thoughts on supportive care for arthritis.
How long will my involvement last?
It would involve a single interview, and potentially a single online focus group, so not a long-term commitment.
Will my regular doctor know I'm in the study?
The study team will not automatically inform your doctor, but you are free to discuss your participation with them.
How to find out more
Dr Sharon Grieve Research Development and Delivery Lead, DPhil
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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