Table 2 CARE RA peer coach intervention schedule and CARE RA education curriculum

1: Introduction to the CARE RA Program

1. Get to know each other

2. Introduce the CARE RA program

3. Introduce the client to the PALS

• None for Session 1

2: RA and My Heart​

1. Learn how RA affects your heart

2. Learn why a cholesterol test is needed to assess risk for heart attack and stroke

Required:

• How can rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect my body and my health?

• What does atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk mean?

• How does rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect my heart?

• How can I lower my risk of heart disease if I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

• What is cholesterol?

• Do I need a cholesterol test if I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Learn more:

• What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

• How is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated?

What medicines are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

3: The Different Doctors Caring for People with RA ​

1. Learn what the difference between a rheumatologist and primary care provider is

2. Learn how important it is to have a primary care provider in addition to a rheumatologist if you have RA ​

Required:

• What is a rheumatologist?

• What is a primary care provider?

• Do I need to see a primary care provider if I already see a rheumatologist for my rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

• What can a primary care provider do for me?

• Which doctor should check my cholesterol levels if I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Learn more:

• What is a specialist or specialty doctor?

What is the difference between a primary care provider and a specialist?

4: Requesting a Cholesterol Test​

1. Describe the importance of having a cholesterol test to learn what your risk is for heart attacks and strokes

2. Learn how to communicate with your doctor about getting your cholesterol checked

3. Provide an overview of the medications used to lower your risk for heart attacks and strokes

Required:

• How can I talk with my doctor if they are in a rush?

• What medications are used to treat high cholesterol?

• Do statins lower my chances of blood pressure related problems like heart disease and stroke?

• When do I have to start taking medicine to treat high cholesterol?

• Can rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medications lower my risk for heart attacks and stroke?

• Do I need to prepare for a cholesterol test?

Learn more:

• Can I take my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medication with statins?

What are some common side effects of statins?

5: How Did it Go?​

1. Discuss how your visit with the rheumatologist went and if you were able to request a cholesterol test

2. Learn about how exercise and diet can help people with RA lower their cholesterol

3. Establish a plan for following up with your primary care provider

Required:

• What foods can help lower my cholesterol?

• What is a healthy diet or eating pattern?

• Can exercise help my rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

• How does exercise lower my risk for heart attacks and stroke if I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

• How can I exercise when I am in pain?

• What should I expect when I receive the results of a cholesterol test?

Learn more:

• Can exercise make my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms worse?

• What foods can help improve my rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

What are the benefits of exercise?