Current Research Studies

To view the procedure you must follow to seek approval for your research study to be advertised on the ARA website click here.

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

The Arthritis Australia website also has a page where consumers can express interest in joining a research study. 

Project Title
Current Clinical Perspectives and Active Management Approaches for Inflammatory Enthesitis Across
Physiotherapists and Rheumatologists: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Principle Investigator
Daniel Muscat

Associate Investigators:
Dr. Kevin SuDr Carol McCrumProf Dr. Peter MalliarasDr Brooke Coombes

Broad Aims of this Project
To identify and describe the current management strategies of autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis used
by Physiotherapists and Rheumatologists via a survey both domestically in Australia and within the UK. In
doing sothis study aims to explore clinical perspectives on:

• Whether active exercise strategies for managing autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis are considered important by physiotherapists and rheumatologists.
• What exercise and educational approaches are currently utilised / advocated by physiotherapists and rheumatologists for autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis.
• Whether mechanical enthesopathies and autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis are managed differently by physiotherapists and rheumatologists.
• How confident are clinicians in managing autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis and what factors affect this confidence.
• How successful are exercise and education strategies for improving patient related symptoms in autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis.
• What clinical and patient reported outcome measures are currently utilised / advocated to quantify treatment success in autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis.

Reasons for Doing This Research Project
Although active interventions such as exercise and education have been widely advocated for enthesopathiesthere is little knowledge of their benefits for autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis. This
lack of information poses the following questions:
1. What are the most appropriate active management strategies when addressing
autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis and does this differ between physiotherapists and
rheumatologists?
2. Are the management tendencies similar between enthesopathies and autoimmune
inflammatory enthesitis?

We are trying to achieve:

• A perspective of how physiotherapists and rheumatologists approach the management of enthesitis particularly surrounding active strategies (exercise / education)
• Whether these strategies are considered important in enthesitis management
• To seek opinions on similarities and differences in enthesitis management

Recruitment of Participants and Target Audience 
Inclusion Criteria
Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
Any gender
A registered physiotherapist or rheumatologist living and working domestically in Australia or
internationallywithin the UK.
Has managed at least five patients with autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis as part of their clinical practice.

Ethics Approval Details
HREC reference number: HREC/2025/QWMS/119193 (Jun ver 2)

Office of the Human Research Ethics Committee
The Park – Centre for Mental Health
Level 2 Dawson House
Locked Bag 500
ArcherfieldQLD 4108
Enquiries to: Research Ethics and Governance Officer
Telephone: 07 3413 7475
Our Ref: 119193

Time Period of the Research Project
Data collection will cease at the end of March 2026

Summary
You are invited to participate in a research study to identify and describe the current management strategies of autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis used by Physiotherapists and Rheumatologists via a survey both domestically in Australia and within the UK. In doing sothis study aims to explore
clinical perspectives on:

• Whether active exercise strategies for managing autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis are considered important by physiotherapists and rheumatologists.
• What exercise and educational approaches are currently utilised / advocated by physiotherapists and rheumatologists for autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis.
• Whether mechanical enthesopathies and autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis are managed differently by physiotherapists and rheumatologists.
• How confident are clinicians in managing autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis and what factors affect this confidence.
• How successful are exercise and education strategies for improving patient related symptoms in autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis.
• What clinical and patient reported outcome measures are currently utilised / advocated to quantify treatment success in autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis.

For this research projectwe would like you to complete a survey which consists of 22 questions surrounding demographicsclinical experienceand active management views on autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis. This will enable us to draw conclusions on the value clinicians place on active management strategies for autoimmune inflammatory enthesitis outside of pharmacological treatment. If you chose to participatethe survey will be conducted online.

Taking part in this study is entirely voluntary without any obligations. It is up to you whether you would like to participate or not. Questions will either be structured as single or numerous multi-choice answersor a written response. Questions can be completed within the comfort of your electronic
device (i.e.mobile phonecomputer) and does not require travel to a particular site.

There are no perceived benefits for participation within this study apart from providing responses that will shape future research and clinical practice. This also means no financial / other reimbursement is offered for completion of this survey. As this study is a cross-sectional cohort study utilising a surveyno foreseeable personal or familial risks have been identified to the participants. Data will be kept confidentiallyconsent will be obtainedand participants’ responses will be anonymous.

For Further Information
Research Contact: Daniel Muscat
Position: Advanced Practice Clinical Lead PhysiotherapistWest Moreton Hospital and Health Service
Phone: 38101804
Email: [email protected]

Research Study Closes: 31 March 2026
Date Posted: 30 January 2026

Project Title

Managing Gout in Dialysis: Insights from Health Practitioners

Principal Investigators

• Chief Investigator: A/Prof. Sophie Stocker
• Department/School: School of PharmacyFaculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneyHonorary Senior Hospital ScientistDepartment of Clinical pharmacology and ToxicologyTherapeutics CentreSt Vincent's HospitalSydney Adjunct Associate ProfessorSt Vincent's Clinical SchoolUNSW Sydney
• Student researcher: Miss Noha KamelPhD studentSchool of PharmacyFaculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of Sydney

Project Team

• Dr Stephen HughesLecturerSchool of PharmacyFaculty of Medicine and Healththe University of Sydney.
• A/Prof. Ronald CastelinoAssociate ProfessorSchool of PharmacyFaculty of Medicine and Healththe University of Sydney Renal PharmacistBlacktown HospitalWSLHD.
• A/Prof. Daniel WrightAssociate ProfessorSchool of PharmacyFaculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of Sydney Honorary Senior Hospital ScientistDepartment of Clinical pharmacology and ToxicologyTherapeutics CentreSt Vincent's HospitalSydne Adjunct Associate ProfessorSt Vincent's Clinical SchoolUNSW Sydney

Broad Aims of this Project

Primary objective:
•    To understand prescribers’ experience with gout management in dialysis to complement the understanding of research findings 

Secondary objectives:
•    To gain insight into the variations in practitioners’ views and practices
•    To inform future research on gout management in patients undergoing dialysis.
 

Reason for Doing this Research Project

This project is part of a PhD thesis. It aims to answer the following research question:
What are the viewsexperiencesand practices of rheumatology and nephrology health practitioners of gout management in patients with gout and kidney failure initiated on dialysis?

We are trying to obtain further information from prescribers (nephrologistsrheumatologistsand renal nurse practitioners) to enable understanding the rationale behind the current practices of gout management in dialysis observed in our clinical chart reviewcomplement the understanding of research findingsand form a basis for effective design of future prospective studies that provide evidence for optimal gout management in dialysis. 

Recruitment of Participants and Target Audience

We will recruit rheumatologists and nephrologists/ renal nurse practitioners who are willing to participategive informed consent and agree to be recorded in an interview.  No formal screening will be conducted prior to consenting. Howeverpurposive sampling from the expressions of interest received will be employed to include different viewpoints on gout management in dialysis as well as various ranges of experience and settings (different unit sizes and locations: metropolitan and rural).

Ethics Approval Details

The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee
T: +61 2 9036 9161
E: [email protected]
W: intranet.sydney.edu.au/ethics
ABN 15 211 513 464
CRICOS 00026A

Summary

How to manage gout in patients undergoing dialysis is unclear due to conflicting evidence in the literature and the absence of strong evidence-based guidelines.  As suchin this patient population there is no consensus on whether urate-lowering therapysuch as allopurinolis required. In practicethe actions of prescribers and their justifications for these actions are unknown and this presents a significant gap in achieving best practice through evidence. This qualitative study aims to understand the views of prescribers (rheumatology and nephrology disciplines practicing in key dialysis centres) on how they manage gout in their patients initiated on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysisincluding allopurinol use. Findings from the study will further understandings of current practiceinforming future clinical studies assessing the impact of the various gout management strategies in patients receiving dialysis. Additionallyfindings will inform contemporary clinical discussions on gout management in dialysis.

For Further Information:

Noha Kamel
E: [email protected]
M: +61 410 873 033

Research Study Closes: 31 May 2026
Date Posted: 7 October 2025

Project Title

The RA-HEAL trial: Resilience And Healthy Life for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Principal Investigators

• Dr Katherine Poulsen
• Professor Ranjeny Thomas
• Dr Amee Sonigra
• Professor Jeff Coombes
• Dr Hannah Mayr
• Professor Coral Gartner
• Dr Nicola Burton
• Ms Michelle Roch
• Mr Paul Christensen

Broad Aims of this Project

This trial will evaluate the impactfidelityfeasibilityacceptabilityand safety of a person-centered multicomponent wellbeing and life program for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. It is hypothesised that the intervention will:

• have a positive impact on wellbeingphysical activity and functiondietand (where indicated) smoking cessation
• be able to be delivered as intended
• be feasibleacceptable and safe for participants

Reason For Doing This Research Project

This experimental trial will aim to include approximately 150 participants recruited from arthritis clinics at the PA Hospitalreferral from rheumatology private practice clinics as well as patients who self-refer directly to the study team. Participants will be randomized to either an intervention group or standard of care group. The intervention group will receive a structuredmulti-disciplinary support programdelivered over 24 weeks by experts in Clinical/Health PsychologyExercise PhysiologyNutrition and Dieteticsand Tobacco Treatment Specialisation. Individual assessments will be done at the Princess Alexandra Hospital at Baseline and 612,18 and 24-month post-intervention. Assessment will include:

• wellbeing and behavioural questionnaires
• physical function assessments
• diet interviews and physical activity monitoring

Recruitment of Participants and Selection Criteria

Direct to patient: We are seeking to advertise the study so that patients themselves might be able to contact the team and self-refer onto the trial.

Rheumatologists: We would like rheumatologists within the South East corner of QLD to be aware that we are running the studyand for them to be able to suggest to their newly diagnosed RA patients that this study might be of benefit to them,

Eligibility

We are looking for people who are:

• Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis within the last 18 months
• Motivated to make positive life changes (including diet and exercise)
• Able to attend to assessments at the Princess Alexandra Hospital
• Participant benefits

Please note that this this study is only suitable for participants in South East Queensland. Participants will continue to be medically managed for their RA by their own rheumatologist.

What's In It For You?

• Access to expert guidance in exercisediet and mental health strategies
• The opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research
• Improved tools to help manage your RA

Register Your Interest

To find out more send the team an email at [email protected]

or

To leave your details and answer some basic questions about your suitability for the studyclick this link https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_et8c1m9EIWLejNs

Ethics Approval Details

Ethics approval has been granted by the Metro South HREC (Princess Alexandra Hospital) as well as being ratified by both the University of Queensland and Griffith University. This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No.2025/HE000486].

Time Period of the Research Project

Recruitment into the trial has already commenced. The full cohort of participants is hoped to be enrolled within a 12 month period between June 2025 and May 2026. The follow-up period is 2 yearsso we will look to have the last patient last visit completed in 2028.

For Further Information Contact

Paul Christensen RN
Research Nurse – The Frazer InstituteUniversity of Queensland
E: [email protected]
Phone: 07 3443 6992 or 0417 108 585

Research Study Closes: 31 May 2026
Date Posted on ARA website: 18 September 2025

Project Title
Current practice of corticosteroid injection for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia

Principal Investigators

• Glen Whittaker(Podiatrist and ARA health professional member)
• Naomi Blood (Podiatrist)
• Matthew Cotchett (Podiatrist)
• Christopher Couesnon (Honours Student)

Broad Aims of this Project

• To evaluate the corticosteroid used for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia
• To evaluate the anaesthetics used with corticosteroid for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia
• To evaluate the techniques used when administering an injection for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia

Reason for Doing this Research Project
Researchers at La Trobe University are completing a study about the current use of corticosteroid injection for foot and ankle conditions. This research is being done to learn more about the corticosteroidlocal anaestheticsand injection techniques that are being used in Australia for common foot and ankle conditions. This research is being completed as part of an Honours project.

There are a range of corticosteroidsanaestheticsand injection techniques used to administer corticosteroid injectionwith selection of each variable currently based on opinion. Past research has found that selection of corticosteroid and injection techniques varies across disciplines and geographical regionshowever there is no research that has evaluated corticosteroid injection use for foot and ankle conditions by Australian health professionals. Understanding how Australian health professionals use corticosteroid injection to manage common foot and ankle conditions can inform future randomised trials comparing the effectiveness of corticosteroids and injection techniques.

We hope to learn about the corticosteroidlocal anaestheticsand injection techniques that are being used in Australia for common foot and ankle conditions. Understanding this can inform future randomised trials comparing the effectiveness of corticosteroids and injection techniques.

Recruitment of Participants and Selection Criteria
Participants will be health professionals who currently practice in Australia and administer corticosteroid injection to manage foot and ankle conditions. The health professionals that will be targeted for this study include orthopaedic surgeonsradiologistsrheumatologistspodiatristsand podiatric surgeons.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

1. A health professional registered with AHPRA
2. Reside in Australia 
3. Use a primary language that is the same as the researchers
4. Have administered at least 1 corticosteroid injection for a foot or ankle condition in the past 6 months

Ethics Approval Details
This research has been reviewed and approved by The La Trobe University Human Research Ethics Committee. If you have any complaints or concerns about the research study please email [email protected] or phone +61 3 9479 1443 quoting the following number HEC24151

Link To Take Part In The Study 
https://redcap.latrobe.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=8J4T7YCLCAJKXJCD

Time Period of the Research Project 
Anticipated finish date February 2026

For Further Information
Contact Glen Whittaker: [email protected] / 0414777165

Research Study Closes: 28 February 2026
Date Posted: 25 February 2025

Project Title
A multicentreopen-label randomised controlled trial of DMARD dose maintenance (USUAL CARE) vs DMARD discontinuation after reduction (TAPER) in adult patients with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis (RA and PsA) on stable b/tsDMARD therapy +/- csDMARD/swho are in sustained low disease activity at baseline for cost-utility comparison and multiomic mechanistic analyses to predict success of down-titration strategies

Principal Investigators

• Prof. Lyn March (Royal North Shore HospitalNSW)
• Prof. Marissa Lassere (St George HospitalNSW)
• Prof. Peter Youssef (Royal Prince Alfred HospitalNSW)
• Prof. Catherine Hill (The Queen Elizabeth HospitalSA)
• Prof. Susanna Proudman (Royal Adelaide HospitalSA)
• A/Prof. Mihir Wechalekar (Flinders Medical CentreSA)
• Prof. Rachelle Buchbinder (Malvern ClinicVIC)
• Dr. David Liew (Austin HealthVIC)
• A/Prof. Helen Keen (Fiona Stanley HospitalWA)
• Dr. James Gray (Princess Alexandra HospitalQLD)
• Dr. Matthew Terrill (Sunshine Coast University HospitalQLD)

Broad Aims of this Project

• To evaluate efficacysafetyand cost effectiveness of down-titration strategies of b/tsDMARD therapies in adults with well-controlled RA and PsA.
• To identify clinical and biomarker predictors of success or failure of down-titration strategies.
• To generate algorithms for predicting who can safely and successfully reduce biologic therapy.

Reasons for Doing this Research Project
Long-term use of the immunomodulating DMARD therapies may lead to overtreatmentwith elevated risks of adverse events and unnecessary costshowever there is currently no clear guidance for whenhow toand who can withdraw therapies in RA or PsA. International consensus on the safest reduction protocols and predictors of success are severely lacking and there are no data in the Australian context where criteria for accessing biologics differs in important ways from the rest of the world. Trials to-date have primarily been conducted with the anti-TNF bDMARD agentsthey have not always had a usual-care comparator arm and many have been conducted in the setting of relatively early disease and are not generalisable to all. This trial will substantially address these uncertainties and will enhance the implementation of down-titration strategies if proven to be safe and cost-effective in the Australian setting.

Recruitment of Participants and Selection Criteria 
Participants will be approximately 270 adults with well-controlled RA or PsA across 11 sites.
Major selection criteria include that subjects:

• first started any b/tsDMARD with or without csDMARD ≥18 months ago;
• are in remission or low disease activity and have been stable on DMARD for ≥6 monthsand
• if participants are on oral corticosteroidsthe dose must be stable and ≤5mg prednisone daily equivalent;
• have not had any parenteral or intra-articular corticosteroid injections in the last 6 months;
• are not pregnant or have had an investigational new drug within the last 12 weeks.

Ethics Approval Details
Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Approval Number: 2021/ETH11902
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12621001695897

Time Period of the Research Project
Anticipated end date by Jun 2027

For Further Information
Contact 02 9463 1758 or email [email protected]
Click here for Health Professionals Brochure

Research Study Closes: 30 June 2027
Date Posted: August 2024