DASH-RA: Questionnaire Surveys
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Digital support for physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis (DASH-RA): Questionnaire Surveys
IRAS ID
314701
Contact name
C Gerlis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore the experiences and preferences of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and professionals that care for people with RA of digital interventions that promote physical activity (PA).
PA is an effective management strategy for people with RA. Despite this people with RA are less active than their healthy counterparts. There are many barriers to being physically active for people with RA including transport, other responsibilities such as work and the capacity of healthcare services. Digital interventions are a potential solution and are effective at increasing PA in healthy adults. There is limited evidence to support effectiveness for people with RA. Many interventions are not developed using theory and so conclusions of how such interventions work cannot be drawn. This study forms part of a larger PhD project which aims to develop a digital behaviour change intervention to promote physical activity for people with RA. To inform a successful intervention, it is important to understand acceptability and usability from the perspective of intended service users that is, people with RA and healthcare and exercise professionals.
This study aims to scope the digital interventions currently being used by people with RA and signposted to or offered by professionals. The study also aims to understand the preferences of people with RA and professionals for potential digital interventions and acceptability of existing digital interventions to support PA. We will explore whether preferences for digital interventions can be identified for sub-groups of the population of people with RA.
Surveys will be distributed via primary care, secondary care, and private settings to people with RA and to healthcare and exercise professionals. The survey will be made available to complete online, via paper and via telephone to allow individuals to take part regardless of digital literacy and accessibility. The findings will inform further development of a digital intervention to promote physical activity.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NE/0158
Date of REC Opinion
8 Sep 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion