This study aims to understand the experiences of those with arthritis and other related autoimmune conditions during the pandemic. Comparing what care for your chronic illness looked like before 2020 and what, if anything, has changed since.

We intend to use the results to start conversations with Government officials, local authorities, charity organisations and other decision-makers and influencers in the UK healthcare industry as part of a dedicated campaign on the subject of how the pandemic has impacted those with chronic illness.

This research project is conducted by Joel Nelson of 'Joel vs Arthritis LTD'. An organisation dedicated to raising awareness of arthritis and related conditions to obtain better patient support and outcomes, removing stigmas and improving patient experiences.

You are invited to participate in this research project because you are at least 18 years of age, live in the UK and have a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or a related inflammatory condition(s) that a Rheumatology Team or Specialist primarily treats.

Your participation in this research study is voluntary. You may choose not to participate. If you decide to participate in this research survey, you may withdraw at any time. If you decide not to participate in this study or withdraw from participating at any time, you will not be penalised.

The procedure involves completing an online survey that will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Your responses will be confidential, and we do not collect any identifying information such as your name, email address or IP address. The survey questions will be in a range of formats and gather data on your experiences of how your condition was cared for before the Global Covid Pandemic (before March 2020) and during the last two years.

We take your data and confidentiality seriously. All data is encrypted in transit and stored in a password protected electronic format. Your responses will not contain information that will personally identify you to protect your confidentiality. The results of this study will be used for scholarly, campaigning and awareness purposes only, with results shared only with third parties of these areas. There will be no financial gain from the results of this study.

If you have any questions about the research study, please contact Joel Nelson (contact@joelvsarthritis.co.uk).