Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Efficacy of a Self-Management Smartphone App to Improve Safety Skills in Patients With Inflammatory Arthritis

This study is testing a smartphone app designed for people living with inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. These conditions can cause pain and affect daily life. Many people use special medicines called 'targeted DMARDs' which are very effective but can sometimes increase the risk of infections. The app aims to help people manage their medicines safely, understand their symptoms, and make better health choices. Researchers want to see if using this app helps people learn important safety skills and improves how well they stick to their treatment, compared to just using a usual information website.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

144

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Rhumatoid Arthisis Spondyloarthritis (SA)Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

What is this study about?

Living with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or spondyloarthritis can be challenging, as they often cause pain and can impact your everyday activities. To help control these conditions, doctors often prescribe powerful medicines called 'targeted DMARDs'. While these medicines are very good at managing the disease, they can sometimes come with a small risk, such as increasing your chance of getting infections. Knowing how to manage these risks and when to speak to your doctor is very important.

Traditionally, information and training about these safety skills are given by healthcare professionals, but this knowledge can sometimes fade over time. With more and more people using smartphones, a new app has been created by the French Society of Rheumatology (SFR). This app is designed to be a helpful tool for people with inflammatory arthritis. It offers features like reminders for your medication, advice on healthy living, ways to track your symptoms like pain and tiredness, and important safety checklists before taking your medicine. The app stores all your information only on your phone, and it doesn't share it directly with your doctor, though you can choose to show them parts of it during your appointments.

This study wants to find out if using this smartphone app can genuinely improve how well people with inflammatory arthritis manage their medicines safely and understand their condition, compared to simply having access to a health information website. Researchers also hope the app might help people stick to their treatment plan more easily and improve how they communicate with their rheumatologist. Essentially, they are testing if this modern tool can make a real difference in helping you live well with your condition.

Key takeaways

It tests a smartphone app for managing inflammatory arthritis.
Aims to improve safety with 'targeted DMARD' medicines.
You must be starting or changing to a new 'targeted DMARD' medicine.
Participation lasts for six months.
The app stores data only on your phone, not shared directly with doctors.

Who may be eligible?

If you are thinking about joining this study, here's who they are looking for. You need to be between 18 and 75 years old and have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis. A key part of joining is that you must be starting a new 'targeted DMARD' medicine (a biologic or a JAK inhibitor) or changing to one, and it should be a medicine covered by the SFR app. You also need to be comfortable using a smartphone app and a website, and be able to fill out questionnaires.

There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain health conditions that might make it hard to understand the study or take your medicine regularly, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you've recently had special training about your 'targeted DMARD' medicines in the last two years, or if you're already using other similar self-management apps for your arthritis, this study might not be suitable for you. Finally, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or already part of another medical study, you won't be able to join this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you have rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis?
Are you starting or changing to a 'targeted DMARD' medicine (biologic or JAK inhibitor)?
Are you comfortable using a smartphone and websites?
Have you NOT had special training on 'targeted DMARDs' in the last two years?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will use the new smartphone app regularly for six months. The other group will be given access to a special website with information about their condition and medicines, like 'usual care'.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to answer questionnaires, especially at the beginning and after six months. These questionnaires will help the researchers understand how well you are managing your medicines and your condition. You won't be given any new medicines by the study itself; you will continue with the treatment your doctor prescribes. The total duration of your active participation, using either the app or the website and completing assessments, will be six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you some benefits, such as gaining access to a new smartphone app designed to help you manage your arthritis and medicines more effectively. This could potentially improve your understanding of your treatment and safety skills. However, there's no guarantee the app will benefit everyone. The main risk is that you will need to dedicate some of your time to using the app or website and completing questionnaires. As with any study, you are completely free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Rheumatology Hopital Saint Antoine
Verified postcode
Paris, France

Common questions

What kind of arthritis is this study for?

The study is for people with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis.

What are 'targeted DMARDs'?

These are special medicines, like biologics or JAK inhibitors, used to treat inflammatory arthritis effectively.

Will the app share my personal information with my doctor?

No, the app stores your data only on your phone. You choose if you want to show parts of it to your doctor.

How long will I be in the study?

Your participation in the study will last for six months.

Will I get new medicine from the study?

No, the study does not provide medicine. You will continue to receive your usual medicine from your doctor.

How to find out more

Catherine BEAUVAIS, Medical Doctor

catherine.beauvais@aphp.fr +33149282520 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.