Patient's experiences with the care for juvenile idiopathic arthritis across Europe

Genomic Health Literacy Interventions in Pediatrics: Scoping Review

Background

The emergence of genetic and genomic sequencing approaches for pediatric patients has raised questions about the genomic health literacy levels, attitudes toward receiving genomic information, and use of this information to inform treatment decisions by pediatric patients and their parents. However, the methods to educate pediatric patients and their parents about genomic concepts through digital health interventions have not been well-established.

Objective

The primary objective of this scoping review is to investigate the current levels of genomic health literacy and the attitudes toward receiving genomic information among pediatric patients and their parents. The secondary aim is to investigate patient education interventions that aim to measure and increase genomic health literacy among pediatric patients and their parents. The findings from this review will be used to inform future digital health interventions for patient education.

Methods

A scoping review using PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines and protocols was completed using the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus. Our search strategy included genomic information inclusive of all genetic and genomic terms, pediatrics, and patient education. Inclusion criteria included the following: the study included genetic, genomic, or a combination of genetic and genomic information; the study population was pediatric (children and adolescents <18 years) and parents of patients with pediatric illnesses or only parents of patients with pediatric illnesses; the study included an assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and intervention regarding genomic information; the study was conducted in the last 12 years between 2008 and 2020; and the study was in the English language. Descriptive data regarding study design, methodology, disease population, and key findings were extracted. All the findings were collated, categorized, and reported thematically.

Results

Of the 4618 studies, 14 studies (n=6, 43% qualitative, n=6, 43% mixed methods, and n=2, 14% quantitative) were included. Key findings were based on the following 6 themes: knowledge of genomic concepts, use of the internet and social media for genomic information, use of genomic information for decision-making, hopes and attitudes toward receiving genomic information, experiences with genetic counseling, and interventions to improve genomic knowledge.

Conclusions

This review identified that older age is related to the capacity of understanding genomic concepts, increased genomic health literacy levels, and the perceived ability to participate in decision-making related to genomic information. In addition, internet-searching plays a major role in obtaining genomic information and filling gaps in communication with health care providers. However, little is known about the capacity of pediatric patients and their parents to understand genomic information and make informed decisions based on the genomic information obtained. More research is required to inform digital health interventions and to leverage the leading best practices to educate these genomic concepts.

How children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis view participation and communication in healthcare encounters: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Children report that they do not participate in their healthcare as much as they want, despite having the lawful right to form their own views and the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting them. Children and parents appeared to be more satisfied when healthcare professionals (HCP) use a participatory style in healthcare encounters.

AIM

To explore how children, adolescents and young adults with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and parents of children with JIA view their participation and communication in healthcare encounters with healthcare professionals.

METHODS

Using a qualitative study design, participatory workshops were held separately for children and young adults with JIA and parents of children with JIA. The workshop data were analysed with Graneheim and Lundman's Qualitative Content Analysis resulting in one main theme and two subthemes.

RESULTS

The theme "Feeling alienated or familiar with healthcare encounters" illuminates how children felt alienated at healthcare encounters if they found the encounters emotionally distressing. Children could withhold information regarding their health and function from both HCPs and their family and friends. The subtheme "Distancing oneself from healthcare" describe why children felt reluctant to engage in the healthcare encounters and experienced difficulty expressing how they really felt. The subtheme "Being a normal event in life" describe how children felt more comfortable over time engaging with HCPs when they knew what would happen, and felt that HCPs gave them the necessary support they needed to participate.

CONCLUSIONS

Children's participation in healthcare encounters varied depending if children felt alienated or familiar to the healthcare situations. Children distance themselves and are reluctant to engage in healthcare encounters if they find them emotionally distressing and feel disregarded. Over time, children can become more familiar and at ease with healthcare situations when they feel safe and experience personal and positive encounters. When the children are prepared for the encounter, provided with the space and support they want and receive tailored help they are more enabled to participate.

Experiences of living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: a qualitative systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to investigate the available qualitative evidence to enhance understanding of the experiences of children, young adults, and their carers living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in any setting.

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood. Despite the availability of effective treatments, persistent pain, growth retardation, physical disability, and psychological problems can occur. This may reduce the quality of life for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis patients by negatively affecting their family, educational, and social well-being. Patient-centered management and care for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis patients requires increasing attention to their self-reported quality of life and experiences, in addition to clinically measured disease activity. Furthermore, taking care of children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis may have negative impacts on the lives of their carers and families. The experiences of carers have been poorly understood and studied. This review describes experiences and perspectives from patients and carers in order to inform the needs of families throughout their Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis journey.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies describing the experiences of patients aged <21 years who have been diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria, as well as the experiences of their carers, have been considered.

METHODS

A comprehensive search using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, as well as relevant conference proceedings of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR; 2018-2019), the European Pediatric Rheumatology Congress (PReS) 2018, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR; 2018-2019), and the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR; 2018-2019), was undertaken in December 2020 to identify pertinent published and unpublished studies. Studies published in English from 2001 to 2020 were included. The JBI approach to study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis was used.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included in this review. A total of 61 findings were extracted and aggregated to form 12 categories. From the 12 categories, five synthesized findings were developed: i) Self-management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis requires pain management, medication management, and the acquisition of knowledge and professional support; ii) A promising relationship with health care professionals but unbalanced access to services; iii) Parental financial burden and their adjustment to maintain family happiness; iv) Patients and parents support the web-based approach to communicate and develop self-management skills and acknowledge the importance of clinical trials; v) Desire to live a normal life without prejudice from school, social settings, and the workplace.

CONCLUSIONS

This review has provided a comprehensive overview of experiences and perceptions of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis patients and their parents. It is important to understand what they need to know and understand about the disease. This review also highlights the importance of appropriate web-based programs, career counseling, infrastructures, and school facilities. Findings in this review can guide future policy and practice in order to improve care for families and children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Further research is required to develop management strategies for medication intolerance and evaluate the longitudinal benefits of relevant Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis programs.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO (CRD42019133165).

'Snakes & Ladders': factors influencing access to appropriate care for children and young people with suspected juvenile idiopathic arthritis - a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Many children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) experience delay in diagnosis and access to right care. The reasons for delay are multi-factorial and influenced by patient and family, clinician and organisational factors. Our aim was to explore the experiences of care, from initial symptoms to initial referral to paediatric rheumatology.

METHODS

We analysed one-to-one and joint qualitative interviews with families of children with JIA (n = 36) presenting to a regional paediatric rheumatology service in the UK. We interviewed 51 family members (including mothers, fathers, patients, grandmothers and an aunt) and 10 health professionals (including orthopaedic surgeons, paediatricians, paediatric immunologist, General Practitioner and nurse) and a teacher involved in the care pathway of these JIA patients. Interviews were audio-recorded and analysed according to the standard procedures of rigorous qualitative analysis - coding, constant comparison, memoing and deviant case analysis.

RESULTS

The median age of the children was 6 years old (range 1-17), with a spread of JIA subtypes. The median reported time to first PRh MDT visit from symptom onset was 22 weeks (range 4-364 weeks). Three key factors emerged in the pathways to appropriate care: (i) the persistence of symptoms (e.g. 'change' such as limp or avoidance of previously enjoyed activities); (ii) the persistence of parents help-seeking actions (e.g. repeat visits to primary and hospital care with concern that their child is not 'normal'; iii) the experience and skills of health professionals resulting in different trajectories (e.g. no-real-concern-at-this-point or further-investigation-is-required). JIA was more likely to be considered amongst health practitioner if they had prior experiences of a child with JIA (moreso with a 'protracted pathway') or exposure to paediatric rheumatology in their training. Conversely JIA was more likely to be overlooked if the child had comorbidity such as learning disability or a chronic illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Care pathways are often 'turbulent' prior to a diagnosis of JIA with physical and emotional distress for families. There is need for greater awareness about JIA amongst health care professionals and observations of change (from family and non-health care professionals such as teachers) are key to trigger referral for paediatric rheumatology opinion.

Usability of eHealth and Mobile Health Interventions by Young People Living With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Considering the changing landscape of internet use and rising ownership of digital technology by young people, new methods could be considered to improve the current model of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) management.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to evaluate the usability of eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) interventions currently available for young people living with JIA.

METHODS

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used to oversee this review. We systematically searched 15 databases for 252 potential studies; 2 authors independently screened all quantitative studies reporting the use of eHealth and mHealth interventions for young people (aged 1-18 years) diagnosed with JIA. Studies were excluded if they did not report outcome measures or were reviews, commentaries, or qualitative studies. Study methodological quality was scored using the Down and Black (modified) checklist. A narrative descriptive methodology was used to quantify the data because of heterogeneity across the studies.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies were included in this review, reporting 7 eHealth and mHealth interventions for young people (aged 4-18 years) living with JIA, targeting health issues such as pain, health-related quality of life, physical activity, and chronic disease self-management. The usability of the interventions was facilitated through training and ongoing support. The engagement was promoted by a combination of persuasive influences, and barriers preventing adherence were removed through personal reminders and flexible program schedules to cater to JIA and non-JIA illnesses or other commonly seen activities in childhood. The feedback obtained was that most young people and their parents liked the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review need to be considered cautiously because of the lack of rigorous testing and heterogeneity, which limits the detailed descriptions of data synthesis. Further research is needed to consider gender differences, associated costs, and the effectiveness of the interventions on health outcomes to better support young people living with JIA.

Validation and implementation of a patient-reported experience measure for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVES

To test the psychometric properties of the United Kingdom's Commissioning for Quality in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient-Reported Experience Measure (CQRA-PREM) in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to implement this questionnaire in daily practice in the Netherlands.

METHODS

After a forward-backward translation procedure into Dutch, the CQRA-PREM was tested into two quality registries in daily practice. Face validity was assessed with focus group interviews. Feasibility was evaluated through completion times and interpretability of domain scores through floor and ceiling effects. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficients) and homogeneity (corrected item-total correlations) were determined. Divergent validity was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (rs) between the average scores of domains and outcome measures. The CQRA-PREM was implemented in daily practice, and the results were used in quality improvement cycles.

RESULTS

Face validity of the CQRA-PREM was good. The CQRA-PREM was completed by 282 patients with SpA and 376 with RA. Median time to complete the CQRA-PREM was 4.7 min. Ceiling effects were found in three out of seven domains. Internal consistency of nearly all domains was considered good (0.65 ≤ α ≤ 0.95). Thresholds for homogeneity were exceeded within three domains (rp > 0.7), suggesting item redundancy. Divergent validity showed that nearly all domains of the CQRA-PREM were at most weakly correlated with outcomes measures (- 0.3 ≤ rs ≤ 0.3). The CQRA-PREM could identify areas of improvement for providing patient-centered care.

CONCLUSION

The CQRA-PREM has acceptable psychometric properties and has shown to be a useful tool in evaluating quality of care from the patients' perspective in the Netherlands.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

SpA-Net is registered in the Netherlands Trial Registry (NTR6740).

KEY POINTS

• The Commissioning for Quality in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient-Reported Experience Measure (CQRA-PREM) is a valid measure for assessing patient-centeredness of rheumatology care. • The Dutch version of the CQRA-PREM shows acceptable psychometric properties. • The CQRA-PREM shows to be a useful tool in Plan-Do-Check-Act quality improvement cycles in the Netherlands. • The CQRA-PREM can be used for benchmarking and quality improvement of rheumatology services.

Multisite Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating an Online Self-Management Program for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy in improving pain and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of an online self-management program for adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Youth ages 12-18 years with JIA were recruited from 10 rheumatology clinics across the United States and randomized to complete an online self-management program (n = 144) or an online disease education program (n = 145). Participants in the self-management group worked through multimedia-based modules comprising psychoeducation, training in cognitive-behavioral coping skills and stress management, and other self-management topics over a 12-week period. Participants in the control group viewed a series of preselected quality educational websites about JIA over the same interval. Online content for both groups was made available in English and Spanish to facilitate inclusion of Hispanic participants. Blinded assessment of main outcomes (pain intensity, pain interference, and HRQOL) and process outcomes (disease knowledge, self-efficacy, pain coping, and emotional adjustment) occurred at baseline, posttreatment, and at 6- and 12-month postrandomization follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Participants on average demonstrated significant improvements over the study period in the main outcomes, with no significant group differences in the degree of improvement. Effect sizes for these improvements were small. The amount of improvement in self-efficacy, emotional avoidance coping, disease knowledge, and emotional functioning in part predicted improvement in pain and HRQOL outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Primarily self-directed online self-management training and online disease education comparably and modestly improve pain and HRQOL in youth with JIA.

Pediatrician Beliefs about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis May Result in Referral Delays: A Spanish National Survey

We explored, through a national survey, pediatrician beliefs and misconceptions that could interfere with early referral of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. A total of 831 pediatricians participated. Approximately one-half of the respondents underestimated the incidence of the disease and thought that pain was the leading symptom of oligoarticular forms.

Educational initiatives and training for paediatric rheumatology in Europe

The Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS) has over many years, developed a portfolio of educational activities to address increasing educational needs of workforce and support young clinicians to acquire skills to develop new knowledge and deliver clinical care in the future. These educational activities aim to facilitate growth of paediatric rheumatology and ultimately improve the clinical care for children and families. This article describes the current portfolio of PReS educational activities and their relevance to the international paediatric rheumatology community.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by chronic immunological disease: A tool-box for success during the transition to adult care

Adolescence is a time of physical, psychological and social changes between childhood and adulthood. All adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are in transition and experience key underlying processes that will influence their later life. It is a critical period, particularly for AYAs with a chronic medical condition. Diseases can start at any point during adolescence. The transition of care will concern health care providers, as well as more unexpected actors such as social workers, teachers, business managers and the family. In this review, we focus on transition in primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) and autoimmune diseases (AIDs). We describe the challenges and needs of transition in the field. Questions that AYAs with PID and/or AID must face during transition in their familial, professional and personal life are discussed. We expose a practical, AYA centered approach to help physicians in their daily practice, and we propose a position for the future.