Vista-JIA: Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Virtual Self-Management Randomized Controlled Trial in Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Objectives Adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) face unmet needs during the transition to adult care. Improving self-management skills is therefore essential. Virtual self-management programs can reach adolescents in remote locations and may help address these gaps.[1] This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a virtual group-based Self-Management Program (SMP) for adolescents with JIA. Methods This study is part of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT).[2] We report data from one of 5 sites, which recruited 20 participants randomized to a remote intervention or a wait-list control group. Participants (n=10) in the remote SMP attended 4 60–90-minute Zoom sessions (JIA overview, daily living and exercise, coping strategies, and treatment/lifestyle management) over 8 weeks. Both groups completed questionnaires at baseline (T0) and after the intervention group completed the program (T1). The questionnaires included: (1) the Medical Issues, Exercise, Pain, and Social Support (MEPS); (2) the Children’s Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale; (3) the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Rheumatology–Teen Module; (4) the PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) Pediatric Pain Interference Scale; and (5) the Readiness for Adult Care in Rheumatology (RACER). After completing the program, participants in the intervention group were invited to take part in an optional semistructured interview to provide feedback. Mann–Whitney U tests compared groups change scores, standardized effect sizes were calculated, and qualitative feedback was analyzed thematically. Results Attendance was high, with 80% of participants completing all sessions. 95% completed the baseline and post-intervention questionnaires, and 5 also participated in the optional interview. Participants indicated they would attend again and think other teens would be interested. Feedback highlighted peer connection and the educational value of the sessions. Some participants felt that the sessions were too long, and responses were mixed regarding interactivity. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in MEPS (p = 0.027) with a large effect size (r = 0.51). Improvements in the RACER (p = 0.053) and the Self-Efficacy Scale (p = 0.11) trended toward significance, with moderate effect sizes of 0.44 and 0.37, respectively. Conclusion This pilot study supports the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual self-management program for adolescents with JIA. The program improved self-management outcomes and showed trends toward greater transition readiness and self-efficacy. These preliminary results warrant further multisite evaluation to confirm effectiveness and optimize engagement. Recruitment is ongoing across sites, with a target enrollment of 100 participants. References [1.] Chomistek K. Discover Health Sys 2025;4(4). [2.] Booth J. JMIR Res Protoc 2025;14:e69539.