UnknownNot Applicable

Co-designing Digital Ulcers Opportunities With Patients and Clinicians

25 participantsStarted 2023-06

Plain-language summary

Scleroderma (SSc) is a rare crippling chronic disease associated with damage of the blood vessels and hardening of connective tissue. It has quite a number of complications including ulcers to the fingers and toes (digital ulcers). Digital ulcers (DU) are a frequent challenge in patients with SSc (PwSSc), as they approximately affect more than half of these patients. Care received by PwSSc DU is varied. Patients with three or more ulcers are considered to have severe disease therefore these patients usually receive expensive treatments and referred to specialist SSc clinics, while those with less ulcers may not receive the same treatments, and only see their general practitioner or local rheumatologist or left to their own means. Resulting in patients developing their own DU managing practices which may be good and some not. Currently, no research has fully identified the needs of PwSSc DU and self-care interventions to support them are lacking. The extent to which DU support needs are met by non-specialist health professionals is unknown. There is lack of literature in co-designing interventions with patients in SSc DU. Developing interventions and pathways for managing DU with patients and healthcare professionals (HCP) will enhance DU care and lessen the burden for the affected patients, a qualitative study is required. Aim The aim of this research is to co-design self-care opportunities and develop improvements in DU care. Objectives 1. to explore how patients with SSc DU are currently managed 2. to understand how they currently manage their ulcers and their healthcare needs. 3. to collaboratively co-design self-care opportunities and improvements in care. Study Methods Experience-based co-design (EBCD) qualitative methodology will be used to conduct the study. 10 HCP and 12-15 PwSSc DU will be invited to participate in consultation observations. Followed by individuals interviews for the HCP and PwSSc DU care and perceptions on unmet needs. The results will inform collaborative co-designing and development of interventions with patients and HCP. The same participants will also be invited to participate in three workshops involving designing, discussion, refinement and finalisation of the interventions. The interventions developed will be ready to be tested or being evaluated once they have been put in place..

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 100 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthcare Professionals who see People with SSc DU * Patients ≥18 years old * Patients fulfilling the 2013 American College of Rheumatology -European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification criteria for SSc * Patients with a history of previous DU or current DU regardless the number of ulcers * Participants able to provide informed written consent Exclusion Criteria: * Healthcare professionals who see patients with rheumatological conditions but not SSc * Patients aged below ≤18 years old * Patients with DU, however without diagnosis of SSc * Patients diagnosis of SSc who have never had DU * Participants who do not speak English, hence cannot provide informed consent, or participant in interviews

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Qualitative co-designed self-care interventions and improved DU care services

Timeframe: 12 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05785403

SponsorKing's College London

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Scleroderma trials