Supporting Patient Care With Electronic Resources in the United States (SuPER-US): Effectiveness of an Online Decision Aid for Patients Considering Biologic Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The proposed project aims to improve the process of making evidence-informed treatment decisions by patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ultimately empower patient self-management. Current RA treatment emphasizes: 1) the need for early and aggressive treatment, and 2) the use of a treat-to-target approach. However, patients often struggle with treatment decisions, especially when the options have both benefits and risks. To address this challenge, investigators based at Arthritis Research Canada have previously developed an online decision aid called ANSWER-2 (ANimated, Self-serve, WEb-based, Research Tool: Version 2) for RA patients who are considering a biologic, and this tool has been recently adapted for the US healthcare setting (called US-ANSWER-2).

Objectives: 1) To evaluate the effectiveness of US-ANSWER-2 in reducing patients' decisional conflict. 2) To assess the extent to which US-ANSWER-2 improves patients' knowledge about RA medications and confidence in managing their health. 3) To examine the experiences of patients and rheumatologists in using US-ANSWER-2.

The investigators will conduct a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial with 80 patients with RA. Eligible individuals are those: 1) with a diagnosis of RA from a rheumatologist, 2) whose rheumatologists have recommended initiating a biologic or switching to another biologic, and 3) who have internet access and email. The Intervention Group will receive simple instructions to access the US-ANSWER-2 decision aid and complete the program on their own within two days. At the end of the session, a one-page summary will be produced to help them discuss their questions, concerns, and preferred choices with their health care providers. The Control Group will receive a standard online medication guide, reflective of usual practice. Participants will complete the Decisional Conflict Scale (primary outcome) before and after the intervention (US-ANSWER-2 or standard online medication guide). The following secondary outcome measures will be collected at baseline, Month 1, and Month 2: 1) Medication Education Impact Questionnaire, and 2) Partners in Health Scale. In addition, the use of healthcare resources will be collected at baseline and Month 2, and the use of biologics will be collected at Month 6. All participants and their rheumatologists will be invited to participate in a qualitative interview about their experience with the patient decision aid.