Abstract
Background
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) requires some form of lifelong management, with at least one third of children symptomatic in adulthood. Therefore, empowering children to competently self-manage their health and wellbeing across the lifecourse is logical, while supporting families in their shared-management role during childhood. However, there was a limited theoretical basis to the self- and shared-management of JIA across the lifecourse. The objective is to explore the factors facilitating the self- and shared-management of JIA using a realist approach to evaluation.
Methods
Guided by the Individual and Family Self-management Theory, a three-stage realist approach to evaluation was undertaken: 1) initial JIA self- and shared-management question theories were elicited from literature reviews and stakeholder insights [1]; 2) seven initial question theories were tested using teacher-learner cycle interviews with 20 participants; 3) findings were analysed using a theory-driven approach to thematic analysis, using deductive, inductive, and retroductive reasoning to extend or refute the initial question theories, in order to identify demi-regularities in the data.
Results
Six refined JIA self- and shared-management question theories emerged: 1) meaningful and bespoke self-management support across the life course for children and young people with JIA; 2) recognised and valued shared-management support for the families of children and young people with JIA, with autonomy in mind; 3) individual healthcare plans as a shared management communication tool to facilitate optimal management of JIA; 4) consistent recognition, value, and encourage of self- and shared-management support from the paediatric rheumatology multi-disciplinary team and associated professionals; 5) child, young-person, and family-focused paediatric rheumatology care and support services across the lifecourse; and 6) bespoke and inclusive approaches by education providers to enable children and young people with JIA to feel safe, supported, and able to fulfil their potential.
Conclusion
There is an increasing recognition of the importance of self- and shared-management of JIA and other paediatric-onset chronic conditions. However, there is a lack of an overall, cohesive approach to self- and shared-management between healthcare providers, education providers, and patient/parent organisations. The findings from this study illuminate the factors facilitating JIA self- and shared-management at individual, interpersonal, institutional and infrastructural levels, bearing relevance to individuals and organisations involved in caring for, and supporting children with JIA and their families.