Abstract: SA-PO1005
PURPLE: A Digital Educational Intervention to Improve Clinical Trial Understanding and Participation Among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Lupus Nephritis
Session Information
- Educational Research
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 1000 Educational Research
Authors
- Cleveland, Becki, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Ali, Asher, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Viscomi, Maria, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Khan, Omar, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Trujillo, Anthony, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Saxena Beem, Shruti, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Rivadeneira, Alfredo, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Sheikh, Saira Z., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Background
Clinical trial participation is vital for developing effective therapies, yet many patients are not informed about trial opportunities. Barriers include limited clinic time, low health literacy, mistrust, and difficulty understanding research. PURPLE (Programs to address Unmet needs and promote Representation of Participants in Lupus clinical trials using mobile technology for Engagement) is a multilingual, culturally responsive digital platform designed to improve clinical trial literacy and informed decision-making.
Methods
PURPLE is an educational intervention study evaluating a smartphone-based digital platform versus standard materials among adults aged 18–65 years with SLE and lupus nephritis (LN). Using a wait-list control design, participants received either the PURPLE intervention or standard materials. The multilingual, culturally responsive platform delivered interactive English and Spanish modules through physician avatars modeled after participants' treating physicians with narration recorded by the physicians. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed trial knowledge, perceptions, platform acceptability, and willingness to participate in future clinical trials.
Results
Healthcare providers identified as the most trusted source of clinical trial information by 85.7% of participants, and 86.3% reported they would likely participate in a trial if recommended by their physician. Preliminary findings demonstrate high acceptability of the digital platform, with increased clinical trial knowledge (39% vs 24%) and positive attitudes toward lupus clinical trial participation (44% vs 12%). See image for results.
Conclusion
Digital interventions such as PURPLE may provide a scalable strategy to improve equitable clinical trial participation across SLE, LN and other autoimmune diseases.
Acknowledgment
This project was supported by the Fund for Excellence in Lupus & Sjogren's and the Virginia A. and Douglas R. Ware Fund for Excellence in Autoimmune Diseases at the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center. The authors would like to acknowledge the study participants for their contributions to advancing science, and all individuals living with lupus for their courage and determination.