MyRA (rheumatoid arthritis support tool)

MyRA

  • MyRA is an online resource for people with rheumatoid arthritis, their carers, family, friends and healthcare professionals.
  • It provides a wealth of information, including written articles and videos.
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MyRA By Arthritis NZ

Features

  • Access to trusted information.
  • Written information and videos.
  • Can export data to share with healthcare professionals.
Country of origin New Zealand (adapted from Australia)
Clinical review 

4 star review


Read a clinical review below.

Security and privacy Does the app:
  • Collect medical information? Yes – optional
  • Require a login? Optional
  • Have password protection? No
  • Have a privacy policy? Yes
  • Require internet access to use? Yes

Read more about safety and security when using apps.

Brochures:
Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ

Cost Free
Advertisements This programme contains no ads.
How to access the programme

MyRA is an online resource designed to help people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) become active participants in their journey with RA. It's a hub of information about many aspects of rheumatoid arthritis such as an explanation of the disease, tests and treatments, managing pain, living with arthritis, your feelings and support services.   

To access the information you need to register, either as a person with arthritis or a health professional. 
Note: You can also access the treatment section, without an initial screening.  

For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see reviews below.

PROS CONS 

Large amount of trustworthy information, including written articles and videos.

Information is well organised into categories.

Option to “email your health history” (eg, if you're going to your GP or specialist) – this will email you a document with a record of the health information you have provided on MyRA.

The “My Articles” tab doesn’t appear to be based on your profile (eg, whether you have newly diagnosed RA, are caring for someone with RA etc). It would be better if this section pre-populated with articles that are more likely to be relevant based on the information you provide.

The amount of information may be overwhelming for some users.

The “Events” tab doesn’t appear to be linked to the events listed on the Arthritis New Zealand website.

You can complete a “My RA Health Check”, however your results aren't shown until you go to complete this health check again.

Clinical review

4 star review



Reviewer
: Emma Riddell, Clinical Pharmacist, Health New Zealand
Date of review: November 2024
Platform: Computer
Comments: The MyRA website refers to itself as a “Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Program”. From my experience using this online tool, I would describe it as an information hub/source of high-quality information. There's no clear “program”, and the “support” this tool provides is via trustworthy information, including information on where to find support services.
From what I can see, you can access all the resources without creating a login. The benefits of setting up an account are that you can add articles and videos to your “favourites” tab, and you can get a copy of your healthcare survey to share with your healthcare practitioner. I was expecting the “My Articles” tab to be tailored to you based on the information you provide, however, from my testing it seems that it shows the same articles for every user.
However, as a source of information, I found it really good. There is high quality information on a wide range of topics to do with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including medical information as well as information about living with RA, managing pain, emotions, and support services available in Aotearoa New Zealand.
MyRA is not intended to provide medical advice, and if the information on this website doesn't match information provided by your doctor, you should check with your doctor.

Safety concerns: MyRA has been redeveloped from Arthritis Australia for users in Aotearoa New Zealand. While it has been reviewed and edited by Arthritis New Zealand, some information may be based on Australian information – eg, a video about how to inject methotrexate describes how much to measure for your dose, however this is based on the strength of the Australian product, not the one available in New Zealand.
New Zealand relevance: Yes
Concerns: MyRA has been redeveloped from Arthritis Australia for New Zealand users. While it's been reviewed and edited by Arthritis NZ, some information may be based on Australian information – eg, a video about how to inject methotrexate describes how much to measure for your dose, however this is based on the strength of the Australian product, not the one available in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.