ACR Launches New Lupus Self-Management Site to Support Patient Engagement and Extend Specialist Reach

ATLANTA – The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has launched a new digital resource, designed to help individuals living with lupus and lupus nephritis build essential self-management skills between clinical visits. Developed by rheumatologists through The Lupus Initiative® in conjunction with the Collaborative Initiatives Committee, this site offers a practical solution to support patient care amid the growing shortage of pediatric and adult rheumatologists.

The platform features LEAP (Lupus Empowerment through Action and Planning), a 30-minute interactive activity that guides patients through medication understanding, appointment preparation, and goal setting. LEAP was created by rheumatologists to reinforce clinical guidance and encourage proactive disease management.

“Patients often leave the clinic with more questions than answers. This tool helps bridge that gap,” said Noelle Rolle, MD, Chair of ACR’s Collaborative Initiatives Committee and Assistant Professor, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. “It’s designed to complement your care—not replace it—by reinforcing key concepts and empowering patients to take ownership of their health.”

In addition to LEAP, the site includes:

• Skill-builder videos on medication decision-making, symptom recognition, and lifestyle management
• Communication tools to help patients articulate concerns and track symptoms
• Resources for providers, including printable guides and referral support materials

This initiative is part of ACR’s broader strategy to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for underserved populations disproportionately affected by lupus. The site is especially valuable for rheumatologists practicing in rural or resource-limited settings, where access to ongoing patient education may be constrained.

“Self-management is essential to improving outcomes and empowering patients,” said Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman, MD, DrPH, John P. Gallagher Research Professor of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the ACR Representative to the Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium. “This digital platform offers rheumatologists a trusted, evidence-based solution to extend care beyond the clinic and stay connected with patients between visits.”

Rheumatologists are encouraged to share selfcare.thelupusinitiative.org with patients as part of their care plan. The site is free to access and optimized for mobile devices, making it easy for patients to engage with content at their own pace.

Media Contact
Teri Arnold
tarnold@rheumatology.org
757-272-7002 (cell)

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About the American College of Rheumatology
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is an international medical society representing over 10,500 rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals with a mission to empower rheumatology professionals to excel in their specialty. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatologists are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.