P33 Adolescent and young adult health training needs of healthcare professionals including rheumatology

Abstract

Background The need for training in adolescent and young adult (AYA) health is highlighted in paediatrics, adult medical trainees and the EULAR transition guidance. We aim to identify the current training needs of healthcare professionals regarding AYA health in a UK region including paediatric and adult rheumatology professionals. Methods An online survey designed using SelectSurvey.NET for healthcare professionals was distributed by email using a snowballing technique after piloting (1 nurse, 3 doctors). A control question was included on safeguarding, which is mandatory training for all healthcare professionals irrespective of setting. Results The overall response rate was 20% (166/820) and included 56% (n = 88/158 doctors -39% of whom were trainees), and 29% (n = 46/158) nurses. 8 identified themselves as rheumatology professionals (8/293, 3% rheumatology-specific response rate). 51% (n = 85/166) of healthcare professionals (including 2 rheumatology professionals) reported having received no formal training in AYA health (43% were doctors, 67% nurses). Of those who had previous training, the main training method was lecture based, with only 7% having accessed the UK Adolescent Health e-learning project. In comparison to 85% and 78% reporting adequate knowledge and skill respectively in safeguarding, less than 40% reported adequate knowledge and/or skills in key areas of AYA health (see Table 1). Respondents who had received training perceived themselves to have better knowledge and skills across many areas of AYA than those who had not received such training. Finally, in some areas of AYA health, there was a large discrepancy between perceived knowledge and skill level. P33 Table 1 Area of AYA Health  % of Healthcare Professionals with Adequate Knowledge  % of Healthcare Professionals with Adequate Skill      Rheumatology (n = 8)  Rest (n = 137)  Rheumatology (n = 8)  Rest (n = 126)  Safeguarding  87.5%  85%  75%  78%  Confidentiality & consent  75%  75%  75%  70%  Home/family  37.5%  61%  50%  48%  Health management  37.5%  56%  37.5%  52%  Transitional care  62.5%  54%  75%  47%  Eating  12.5%  54%  12.5%  40%  Exercise  25%  53%  25%  44%  Sleep  50%  43%  37.5%  40%  Peer relations  25%  43%  25%  34%  Safety   37.5%  40%  37.5%  29%  Mental health  12.5%  39%  25%  36%  Education/vocation  37.5%  34%  37.5%  27%  Sexual health  25%  35%  12.5%  28%  Social media  12.5%  33%  25%  30%  Substance use  0%  31%  0%  20%  Area of AYA Health  % of Healthcare Professionals with Adequate Knowledge  % of Healthcare Professionals with Adequate Skill      Rheumatology (n = 8)  Rest (n = 137)  Rheumatology (n = 8)  Rest (n = 126)  Safeguarding  87.5%  85%  75%  78%  Confidentiality & consent  75%  75%  75%  70%  Home/family  37.5%  61%  50%  48%  Health management  37.5%  56%  37.5%  52%  Transitional care  62.5%  54%  75%  47%  Eating  12.5%  54%  12.5%  40%  Exercise  25%  53%  25%  44%  Sleep  50%  43%  37.5%  40%  Peer relations  25%  43%  25%  34%  Safety   37.5%  40%  37.5%  29%  Mental health  12.5%  39%  25%  36%  Education/vocation  37.5%  34%  37.5%  27%  Sexual health  25%  35%  12.5%  28%  Social media  12.5%  33%  25%  30%  Substance use  0%  31%  0%  20%  P33 Table 1 Area of AYA Health  % of Healthcare Professionals with Adequate Knowledge  % of Healthcare Professionals with Adequate Skill      Rheumatology (n = 8)  Rest (n = 137)  Rheumatology (n = 8)  Rest (n = 126)  Safeguarding  87.5%  85%  75%  78%  Confidentiality & consent  75%  75%  75%  70%  Home/family  37.5%  61%  50%  48%  Health management  37.5%  56%  37.5%  52%  Transitional care  62.5%  54%  75%  47%  Eating  12.5%  54%  12.5%  40%  Exercise  25%  53%  25%  44%  Sleep  50%  43%  37.5%  40%  Peer relations  25%  43%  25%  34%  Safety   37.5%  40%  37.5%  29%  Mental health  12.5%  39%  25%  36%  Education/vocation  37.5%  34%  37.5%  27%  Sexual health  25%  35%  12.5%  28%  Social media  12.5%  33%  25%  30%  Substance use  0%  31%  0%  20%  Area of AYA Health  % of Healthcare Professionals with Adequate Knowledge  % of Healthcare Professionals with Adequate Skill      Rheumatology (n = 8)  Rest (n = 137)  Rheumatology (n = 8)  Rest (n = 126)  Safeguarding  87.5%  85%  75%  78%  Confidentiality & consent  75%  75%  75%  70%  Home/family  37.5%  61%  50%  48%  Health management  37.5%  56%  37.5%  52%  Transitional care  62.5%  54%  75%  47%  Eating  12.5%  54%  12.5%  40%  Exercise  25%  53%  25%  44%  Sleep  50%  43%  37.5%  40%  Peer relations  25%  43%  25%  34%  Safety   37.5%  40%  37.5%  29%  Mental health  12.5%  39%  25%  36%  Education/vocation  37.5%  34%  37.5%  27%  Sexual health  25%  35%  12.5%  28%  Social media  12.5%  33%  25%  30%  Substance use  0%  31%  0%  20%  Conclusion There is still a need to both raise awareness of and improve training opportunities for all healthcare professionals who interact with adolescents and young adults, including rheumatology. This training should be both practical and knowledge based to overcome the discrepancy between knowledge and skill levels. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]