Professional development and education
Suzanne Edison, MA, MFA
Cure JM Foundation
Seattle, WA, United States
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose
Andrea Knight, MD, MSCE
Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, ON, Canada
Disclosure(s): Pfizer: Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing)
Alana Leever, PhD
Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University
Columbus, OH, United States
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose
Sheetal Vora, MD, MS
Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital
Charlotte, NC, United States
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose
Mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, are more common in children and adolescents with pediatric rheumatologic diseases than in healthy peers. However, limited access to mental health services remains a significant problem for the general pediatric population and for youth with rheumatic disease specifically. Identifying mental health problems early is important because they are known to negatively impact disease outcomes, including pain intensity and disease activity, as well as health-related quality of life, medication adherence, and healthcare utilization. Behavioral health specialists, such as psychologists and social workers, are uniquely trained and positioned to promote the quality of life of youth with rheumatic disease and manage common presenting problems within this population, including adjustment to physical illness and emotional disorders, medical adherence, as well as pain and symptom management. Integrating psychological services into pediatric rheumatology care can improve mental and physical health outcomes, reduce health disparities and mental health stigma, and enhance disease control for youth with rheumatic dis ease. This session will highlight three models of care that integrate psychological services into pediatric rheumatology clinics and explore common barriers and lessons learned through the integration of psychological services within pediatric rheumatology care. Attendees will emerge with a clear understanding of different avenues they may employ to integrate psychological services into their pediatric rheumatology practice.
Speaker: Andrea Knight, MD, MSCE – Hospital for Sick Children
Speaker: Sheetal Vora, MD, MS – Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital
Speaker: Alana Leever, PhD – Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University
Speaker: Suzanne Edison, MA, MFA – Cure JM Foundation