Virtual self-management program for adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Virtual Self-management Program - A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
This study is testing a virtual self-management program to see if it helps teenagers with juvenile idiopathic arthritis learn to manage their condition better while also providing support from peers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT06184100 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a virtual group-based self-management program for adolescents aged 12 to 17 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the self-management program group, which includes four 60-90 minute sessions over eight weeks focusing on disease education, self-management strategies, and peer support, or a wait-list control group receiving standard care. The study aims to assess adherence to the program, recruitment and withdrawal rates, and participant satisfaction through questionnaires and interviews. Both groups will receive usual care, with the control group offered the program after the study concludes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 17 with a confirmed diagnosis of JIA within the last two years.
Not a fit: Patients with untreated psychiatric disorders, major cognitive impairments, or other chronic conditions may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance self-management skills and improve health outcomes for adolescents with JIA.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in virtual self-management programs for chronic conditions, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 2. Confirmed diagnosis within 2 years according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology JIA classification criteria (2) 3. Followed in one of the pediatric rheumatology clinics participating in the RCT 4. Able to access the Internet on a computer 5. Willing and able to complete online measures Exclusion Criteria: 1. Insufficient English reading and speaking skills 2. Untreated psychiatric or comorbid disorders or major cognitive impairments leading to inability to understand materials and participate in the SMP group activities. 3. Other chronic conditions such as other autoimmune disease, neurologic, orthopedics or other systems disorder (e.g. heart, kidney) that might influence outcome assessments 4. Past participation in the last year or participating in another peer-support or self-management program
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta
- Alberta Children's Hospital — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Heinrike Schmeling, MD, PhD
- Email: SchmelingResearch@albertahealthservices.ca
- Phone: 403-955-7698
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.