Current Research Studies

Information regarding studies that are currently recruiting participants  can be found below.

Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals and Patients with RA towards Parenteral Use of Methotrexate in RA Patients

Project Title
Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals and Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis towards Parenteral Use of Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Qualitative Study.

CALHN Reference Number: 16084

Principal Investigators: 

  • Professor Susanna Proudman
  • Professor Catherine Hill

Parenteral MTX is a therapeutic option in patients with RA who have failed to respond adequately to oral MTX (alone or in combination with other DMARDs), but there are likely many barriers and enablers to its use – these barriers and enablers remain largely undefined, particularly within the context of the Australian healthcare system. As part of a broad body of work that is investigating methods to optimise therapeutic outcomes from MTX and DMARDs more generally, this study aims to determine attitudes of both patients and RA practitioners to parenteral MTX within the current Australian Healthcare system regulations, including PBS criteria. 

Specifically, the aims of this study are:

  • To assess healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards parenteral MTX with a view to informing implementation of this route of administration in practice. 
  • To assess RA patients’ attitudes regarding parenteral MTX.

Qualitative research with different study methods, whereby combination of both semi-structured one-on-one interviews and focus groups will be used. 

Recruitment of participants

Health Care Professional cohort
The interviews and focus groups will be held face-to-face, over the telephone, or via video conferencing software (Zoom). Face-to face interviews and focus groups will be held at Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) or University of South Australia (UniSA). If face-to-face meetings are not possible, the interviews may be conducted via telephone or Zoom. 

Inclusion criteria:

  • Rheumatologist (including trainees and registrars), general practitioner, nurse, general practice nurse or pharmacist with current or past experience working at inpatient or outpatient rheumatology clinic or rheumatology ward or service 
  • Practicing in Australia 

Exclusion criteria:

  • Not able to read and communicate in English
  • Less than 18 years old

Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient cohort
The study will be conducted at CALHN. 

Inclusion criteria:

  • 18 years old and above.
  • Currently taking MTX or prior use of MTX regardless of route of administration or any planned changes to MTX regimen.
  • Individuals with either medically diagnosed or self-reported RA.
  • Informed consent obtained.

Exclusion criteria:

  • Not able to read and communicate in English
  • Less than 18 years old

If you are interested in taking part in this study please contact Jiun Ming Tan jiun_ming.tan@mymail.unisa.edu.au