This open-label pilot study focuses on the peer intervention program called CArdiovascular Risk assEssment for RA (CARE RA), which provides information about the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to patients. The study is conducted by evaluating whether patients receive a CVD risk assessment more frequently if they complete the CARE RA curriculum with a peer coach versus individually. Researchers will also measure patient activation and RA medication adherence as factors associated with the peer intervention program. By evaluating the value of peer coaching, researchers will be able to identify which aspects of the program are most effective in communicating information regarding CVD risk to RA patients. The implications for RA patients is that more knowledge is spread about how to structure and disseminate evidence-based CVD risk assessment and treatment, which will help inform future studies and interventions targeted at chronic disease patients.
