Grant: Project Grant

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune form of arthritis that can affect adults of any age. People living with rheumatoid arthritis experience pain and swelling in their joints, fatigue, and difficulty functioning. Medications, called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to control the joint inflammation. Multiple medication options are available now and have dramatically improved outcomes over the past 10-20 years. Which treatment is 'best' for a patient should be based on the best available evidence and patient preferences. In this study we will develop a personalized decision tool to help patients choose between these options. We will start by analyzing data from all the randomized trials conducted to date, including individual patient data, where available. We will then analyze data from over 10,000 patients in Canada treated in routine practice. From these 2 analyses will generate a risk calculator, that will allow us to estimate treatment benefits and risks, tailored to each patient. These decision tools will be linked to guidelines and incorporated into an implementation plan to promote their use in clinical practice. The ultimate goal of this work is to promote a more 'personalized' choice of treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis, by including both their clinical (disease) characteristics, as well as their preferences.