Rheumatic Diseases and Computer Use

Study Summary

Computers allow individuals to engage in economic, social, and entertainment activities. Despite the many benefits of computer use, many individuals with rheumatic diseases may have difficulty using a computer. However, currently there is almost no information on the problems individuals with rheumatic diseases experience using a computer. Baseline information on the types of problems experienced by individuals with rheumatic diseases as well as the magnitude of those problems is needed before methods can be developed to intervene and remediate them. In this study we will develop and administer to a representative sample of patients with rheumatic diseases a survey which will examine the type and magnitude of computer problems experienced by those with rheumatic diseases. The goal of this study is to complete a needs assessment on the problems experienced by those with rheumatic diseases during computer use. This assessment will lay the groundwork for the development of outcome measures and interventions to improve computer use for individuals with rheumatic diseases. In the future it will assist individuals with rheumatic diseases to be able to use computers more comfortably and efficiently.