Improving decision-making for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Implementation of shared decision making in rheumatoid arthritis: A stepped wedge, cluster-randomized trial

NIH-funded research Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-11006234

This study is looking at how to help veterans with rheumatoid arthritis work together with their doctors to make better treatment choices, so they can feel more involved in their care and get better results.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPortland VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11006234 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how shared decision-making (SDM) can be effectively implemented in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among veterans. It aims to develop and test a comprehensive intervention that encourages collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in making treatment choices. By focusing on the unique needs of male veterans with RA, the study seeks to address disparities in treatment outcomes and enhance patient engagement in their care. The approach involves a stepped wedge, cluster-randomized trial design to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention across various clinics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are male veterans diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures.

Not a fit: Patients who are not veterans or those without a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that shared decision-making can improve patient outcomes in various health conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in rheumatoid arthritis.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.