Pro-Change is pleased to announce that it is kicking off year two of its work with the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) to develop an innovative self-management program for adults with lupus. Lupus is a devastating and life-changing autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs) and currently has no cure. In the United States, lupus is two to three times more prevalent in African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders than among Caucasians.
Building on a comprehensive program of primary and secondary research conducted last year, Pro-Change is working with the LFA to develop an interactive, online self-management program that delivers tailored behavior change messaging to promote key behaviors associated with successful lupus self-management and patient activation. The funding was made possible via LFA’s cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Program development is being informed by extensive input from key stakeholders, including adults with lupus, subject matter experts, clinicians, cultural experts, and experts in engagement with digital health interventions. The program will take into account the unique needs of individuals from the racial and ethnic groups disproportionately affected by lupus.
Pro-Change’s Chief Science Officer and Project Lead Dr. Deborah Levesque notes, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue our work with the Lupus Foundation of America to develop an online program that builds on our extensive formative research to help individuals with lupus who are seeking information, guidance, and tools matched to their needs as they work to manage this complex disease.”