Challenges nurses face in providing care for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

This study aimed at identifying challenges nurses face in caring for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in Japan.

Nurses certified by the Japan Rheumatism Foundation were asked to describe their challenges in caring for JIA patients. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Responses were collected from 89 participants. Fifty-eight issues were identified from 40 participants with experience in caring for JIA patients. Sixteen categories emerged, which were grouped into five challenges: communication, understanding, expertise, system, and collaboration. Care for JIA patients included different challenges from adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, such as complicated patient-parent relationships, inadequate patient independence, and insufficient patient information. Moreover, 76 issues from 49 participants with no experience were identified. Seven categories emerged, which were grouped into two challenges: expertise and opportunity. Issues included in expertise between both groups were similar. Even with no experience in caring for JIA patients, nurses recognized the importance of acquiring knowledge.

This is the first study in Japan regarding the difficulties nurses face in caring for JIA patients. Multidisciplinary team care and a comprehensive understanding of the patient journey, including relationships with guardians, acquaintances, and healthcare providers, are crucial to improve treatment outcome and overall patient quality of life.