Reese Jones

Inflammatory arthritis conditions of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis are chronic, autoimmune diseases. Inflammatory arthritis occurs at a higher rate in Indigenous Peoples compared to the general population, and people from Indigenous communities face increased barriers to accessing care.

Currently, we do not have enough information to know who is at risk of developing inflammatory arthritis. This project will focus on improving our prediction and understanding of inflammatory arthritis risk in people from Indigenous communities, by looking at factors like genetics, immune system health, the environment, and social conditions. It will also take a patient-centred approach to help guide and create treatment choices, that meet the holistic health needs of Indigenous patients. 

This project will have two parts. First, we will focus on screening people from Indigenous communities to understand their risk of inflammatory arthritis. This will focus on addressing genetic, environmental, and social triggers of inflammatory arthritis. We will include people from rural and urban communities, of all ages and genders. 

Next, we will focus on understanding how to provide culturally appropriate care for Indigenous people who already have inflammatory arthritis. We will aim to create care plans informed by persons from Indigenous communities that reflect the needs and traditions of Indigenous communities, including:

• Helping patients make treatment decisions through shared decision-making, where both the doctor and patient work together.
• Providing support and health system navigation for patients through an Arthritis Liaison resource
• Offering peer support activities and community programs focused on arthritis wellness determined by partner communities.

Partners include the Siksika First Nation, the Kainai First Nation, the Elbow River Healing Lodge, and the Otipemisiwak Metis Government.