Dissemin is shutting down on January 1st, 2025

Published in

Oxford University Press, Rheumatology Advances in Practice, 3(5), 2021

DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkab062

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Mapping the current psychology provision for children and young people with juvenile dermatomyositis

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Preprint: archiving allowed
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Postprint: archiving restricted
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Published version: policy unclear
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare, chronic autoimmune condition of childhood, with known psychosocial implications. In this study, we sought to establish current psychological support for children and young people across the UK with rheumatic conditions, with a specific focus on those with JDM. Methods Electronic surveys were distributed to the 15 centres that belong to the JDM Research Group in the UK, collecting responses from health-care professionals in the fields of medicine, nursing and psychology. Results One hundred per cent of professionals from medicine and nursing replied from all 15 centres. Of these, 7 (47%) did not have a named psychologist as part of their rheumatology team, despite the majority [13 (87%)] having >200 paediatric rheumatology patients. Of the remaining centres, hospital psychology provision varied considerably. When rating their service, only 3 (8%) of 40 professionals scored their service as five (where one is poor and five is excellent); there were wide discrepancies in these scores. Many challenges were discussed, including limited psychology provision, lack of time and difficulties in offering support across large geographical areas. Conclusion Many of the challenges discussed are applicable to other centres worldwide. Suggestions have been proposed that might help to improve the situation for children and young people with rheumatic conditions, including JDM. Based on these findings, we suggest that rheumatology teams maximize use of these data to advocate and work toward more comprehensive psychology provision and support in their individual centres.