How Can A Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Study Benefit Patients With Chronic Illness?

Patients with chronic illnesses, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis, suffer every day. But many of those patients don’t know about the opportunities available to them that not only offer additional benefits to them but also gather data that can help the world. Research studies, such as the rheumatoid arthritis research study, are beneficial to patients with chronic illness because they gather essential data that fuels medical advancement. They also provide additional treatment options for patients and help them get medical care for little to no cost.

What Are Research Studies?

A research study, or a rheumatoid arthritis research study, in this case, is a scientific study that involves health and medical issues, specifically rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and qualitative studies are all considered research studies.

Unfortunately, countless research studies don’t gather the data they need because they lack diversity. Research studies consistently underrepresent Black and Hispanic patients in comparison to their population size. A successful research study requires volunteers of all backgrounds.

Researchers can’t develop medications that work for everyone if they can’t get data about everyone.

A report by the JAMA Network says that of 230 trials between 2008-2018, 145 recorded information about the patient’s race. Only 18 trials gave a specific breakdown (one of four races: White, Black, Asian, Hispanic). On average, of the reported information, participants were 76.3% white, 18.3% black, 3.1% Asian, and 6.1% Hispanic.

Doctors advise patients of all backgrounds to sign up for the study for the potential to improve their lives and others. If you have concerns about joining a research study, get the facts from your doctor on what you can expect.

What Do Research Studies Do?

Many patients who have rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic illnesses don’t know that they can help advance medical science just by living their daily lives, plus get extra benefits from participating in these studies.

Research studies enable scientists and researchers to develop new therapies for the world’s ailments. People who participate in research studies are the lifeblood of medical advancement.

Scientists, doctors, and researchers worldwide utilize research studies to learn and develop medical treatments – but they can’t conduct these studies on just anyone. They rely on those most afflicted to provide the information they need to study and advance.

What Are the Benefits of Research Studies?

Patients who qualify can receive care and medicine from their doctor for free for participating in the study. It offers the opportunity to gain relief from a chronic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis. Research studies have the potential to make everyday pain more manageable.

If qualifying patients don’t have a way to reach the study center, a concierge travel service may be available in some states.

People who participate in research studies also participate in something much more significant: the greater good. The data that participants provide is invaluable and will benefit the world for generations.

How Do I Participate in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Study?

Researchers are always looking for participants to contribute to their studies. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston has a rheumatoid arthritis research study, along with several other studies, that patients can join.

One such program is the ContRAst Program, which concentrates on exploring investigational drugs and slowing the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Those who qualify as participants receive complimentary care and medication and potentially receive concierge travel service if they need assistance getting to the study center.

The ContRAst Program is composed of three different studies for RA patients:

  1. ContRAst-1 Study: 1,500 – 1,700 Participants
  2. ContRAst-1 Study: 1,500 – 1,800 Participants
  3. ContRAst-1 Study: 600 Estimated Participants

To qualify for the ContRAst Program, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis
  • There are other requirements to qualify which you can ask your doctor about.

If you’re interested in participating in a rheumatoid arthritis research study in the Woodlands Tx, contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston at (281) 766-7886, or learn more here!