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Final Program


Schedule at a Glance
Legend
Program: Scientific Session
General Topic: ARP

Innovative Support Group Models: Leveraging Technology to Enhance Patient Engagement and Quality of Life

Sunday, October 26, 2025
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Central Time

    Moderator(s)

  • Cheryl Crow, OT

    Arthritis Life
    Bellevue, Washington, United States

    Disclosure(s): AbbVie/Abbott: Independent Contractor (Terminated, January 22, 2025); Amazon: Royalties (Ongoing); global healthy living foundation: Independent Contractor (Terminated, January 31, 2025); Google Ads: Royalties (Ongoing)

  • Melissa Flores, MPH,MSW

    Hospital for Special Surgery
    New York, New York, United States

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose

    • Session Coordinator(s)

  • Priscilla Calvache, MSW, LCSW

    Hospital for Special Surgery
    New York, New York, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

In 2025, a wide range of technologies exists to support innovative group structures that improve patient access and engagement. In this session, a diverse panel of experts from both adult and pediatric rheumatology will discuss how different technologies and group support models can enhance patient engagement, self-management, satisfaction, and quality of life. Panelists will explore in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats, comparing synchronous versus asynchronous sessions, cohort-based versus open-ended models, and peer-led versus professional-led programs. They will also examine the benefits of comprehensive educational and support initiatives compared to support-only models, and how technology enables confidential, 24/7 patient education and connection. The panel includes ARP professionals and patient-advocate facilitators from diverse backgrounds. This session will provide a roadmap for designing accessible, effective, and inclusive support groups that leverage current technologies to improve patient mental health, self-management, and self-efficacy outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify different group support models (in person, virtual, hybrid) and their impact on patient engagement, self-management, and quality of life in rheumatology care
  • Evaluate the benefits and challenges of synchronous vs. asynchronous formats and peer-led vs. professional-led programs in improving patient outcomes
  • Discuss how technology can enable accessible, effective support groups for patient education and enhanced self-efficacy

Presentations:

  • 2:45 PM – 3:05 PM Central Time
    TBD

    Speaker: Giselle Morales, BA, MSW, LCSW (she/her/hers) – Hospital for Special Surgery

  • 3:05 PM – 3:25 PM Central Time
    TBD

    Speaker: Ayesha Patrick, -None- – SistasWithPsoriaSis & The PsoriaSis Collective

  • 3:25 PM – 3:45 PM Central Time
    TBD

    Speaker: Jed Finley – Arthritis Foundation