Can better Doctor-Patient talks improve rheumatoid arthritis care?

NCT ID NCT05530694

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This completed study tested whether training rheumatology clinicians in shared decision making helps veterans with rheumatoid arthritis. About 900 patients from VA clinics took part. The training taught doctors to acknowledge treatment options and involve patients in choices. Researchers measured disease activity, medication adherence, and patient knowledge to see if this approach improves outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

clinician communication training (fostering choice awareness)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could help doctors and patients work together better, potentially improving disease control and reducing health disparities in rheumatoid arthritis care.

What could go wrong

This is a behavioral intervention study, not a drug trial, so any benefits are likely modest. Results may not apply outside the VA system or to patients with mild disease.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

  • San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA

    San Francisco, California, 94121, United States

  • VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

    Portland, Oregon, 97207-2964, United States

  • Wilmington VA Medical Center, Wilmington, DE

    Wilmington, Delaware, 19805-4917, United States