We have now finished recruiting for our interviews and focus groups! However, we will be doing a second round of interviews in the spring of 2026, in which we are asking people to test the MISSION-RA app, and provide us with some feedback on it (what you do and don't like, and ideas for making it more engaging and motivating!).
If you are interested in taking part in an interview in the summer of 2026, please e-mail mission-ra@trials.bham.ac.uk, or register your interest here using our contact form. A member of our team will get back to you.
Some information about the aims of the interview and focus group study we have already completed is outlined below.
Our interview and focus group study aimed to explore the experience of physical activity among people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Interviews and focus groups have provided an insight into the things that make it harder for people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis to be active, as well as things that they might find helpful.
Who took part? We recruited 42 people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, aged over 18 years old from across the UK. To take part, participants needed to be able to stand and walk - this included people who needed to use an assistive device (e.g. cane or walking frame). We wanted to recruit people who considered themselves as physically active, as well as those who did not do much physical activity, or only did a little. We wanted to hear the views and opinions of as many people as possible!
What did participant have to do? Participants were asked to take part in a one on one interview with a researcher, or a focus group with 5-6 other people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Interviews were around 1 hour, and focus groups were 1.5-2 hours.
