Gout is the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis with an estimated UK prevalence of 2.5%. The incidence of gout is rising globally alongside both obesity and cardiovascular disease. For patients suffering with gout the major characteristics include sudden attacks of high intensity pain, reduced quality of life, disability and work absence. Recent guidelines have shown that maintaining low urate levels can achieve long-term prevention of gout attacks.
For this study, researchers are looking for volunteers to take part in a study investigating improving the care of gout.
Participation will last about 12 months and involve at least 3 visits to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. The first visit will be a screening visit where you will be assessed for eligibility including a urate finger prick test, physical exam, blood tests and a questionnaire. If eligible a treatment plan to optimise the care of your gout will be drawn up. A further 2 visits involving similar assessments to the first visit would be carried out at week 24 and week 52.
Additionally you would also be invited to hand in some biological samples to assist with further research sub studies, however this is not essential for participation.
If eligible you would be randomised to receive either self-supported care or standard care.
If you are allocated to supported self-care you will be shown how to do the urate finger prick test and have an application installed onto your smart phone and be asked to enter information about your Gout symptoms once a month. The study team will offer dose adjustment advice of your urate lowering medication through the phone application.
If you are allocated to standard care then implementation of your treatment plan will be supervised by your GP. You will also have an app installed on your smart phone which will provide information regarding gout and its management and which will ask you to enter information about gout flares and quality of life.
Benefits of taking part are you may gain better control of your gout if your condition is monitored more closely and have adjustments to your treatment made more promptly and knowledge gained will benefit other patients with gout in the long term.
For more information about this study please email [email protected] or call 01382 383235/383431.
To check your eligibility for this study please complete the short questionnaire below. If you wish to take part, please ensure that you register with SHARE on completion (even if you have done so already) to ensure that we can contact you.
