Participating in arthritis research is vital to advancing better treatments and care, yet one of the most common challenges I hear as a patient partner is how difficult it can be to recruit participants. To help bridge that gap, I’ve created a dedicated section on my blog highlighting currently recruiting arthritis studies (also known as clinical trials) so patients can easily find opportunities to get involved. Not all studies involve medication or drug trials—many focus on surveys, interviews, or lifestyle interventions that help researchers better understand our diseases, treatments, and day-to-day experiences. The opportunities vary depending on who’s recruiting, but every study contributes to improving arthritis care and outcomes for all of us.
Take a look at the studies below and see if any might be a good fit for you.
If you are a researcher, please feel reach out for me to add your study to the list!
To Submit Your Study Recruitment
I am always happy to help with recruitment in research as I know it can be difficult. Feel free to send me an email – chroniceileen@gmail.com
Please include:
- Study Name
- Study Graphic/Poster
- Eligibility and Ineligibility Requirements
- Study Details Including-
- What it is for
- What will be done
- Who’s involved
- Study type
- Time commitment
- If there is an honorarium
- Link to study
- Recruitment Location – US, Canada, International
- Study End Date – Study will be removed unless date is extended
See below study posts for examples.
Other Ways I Can Help With Recruitment
If you provide me the right graphics, I can post your study on my social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram) as well as in targeted Facebook groups I have permission to recruit in. I call this “attack the internet”.
Current Studies Recruiting
Study Title: Experiences and Satisfaction with Care in Canadian Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic has made virtual care more common and an option for some visits (in addition to in person appointments with your rheumatologist) for managing RA. To support this shift, the Canadian Rheumatology Association has created recommendations of when to potentially consider the option for a virtual visit to help tackle the shortage of rheumatologists in Canada. Virtual visits also are an important option for people who live far from their rheumatologist.
The patient voice is essential in discussions about how to best transform RA care in Canada. However, little is known about patient preferences and needs regarding the option for virtual visits as part of comprehensive RA care. To address this gap, we are conducting an anonymous online survey among adults with RA who receive care from rheumatologists across Canada.
What Will Be Done?
The online survey takes about 15 minutes and includes questions about you, your RA, and your views, preferences, and experience with virtual and in-person RA visits. We will not collect information that can identify you.
You are eligible if you are:
– Age 18 years and older
– Have RA and receive care from a rheumatologist in Canada
Ways to find out more:
Please contact Viviane Ta at viviane.ta@mail.mcgill.ca
Research Team
Research Team
Principal Investigators:
Dr. Susan Bartlett, PhD, Professor McGill University; Senior Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada Viviane Ta, PhD Candidate, Counselling Psychology McGill University
Arthritis Research Canada Patient Advisory Board Partners:
Christine Graveline, Shanon McQuitty
This study has been approved by:
McGill University Research Ethics Board (#25-01-072; June 16, 2025)
Early Parenthood with Arthritis: Understanding How Mental Health is Affected and Identifying Support Needs
People living with autoimmune arthritis face added challenges as new parents that can negatively impact their mental health. This study aims to better understand the mental health of parents with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and to identify support needs.
What will be done?
Participants will be asked to fill out an online survey (approximately 40 minutes) asking about their disease, symptoms, mental health difficulties they may have faced, parenting experiences, and how their healthcare providers can better support them.
A small group of participants will be invited to participate in a telephone/virtual interview to get more in-depth information.
Inviting people who:
- Have autoimmune arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile onset arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), or arthritis from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or Crohn’s disease)
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a child aged 12 and under
For more information and to sign-up: