18. Engaging with schools to raise awareness of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and musculoskeletal health – a pilot involving medical students and primary care

Abstract

Background: Delays in recognition of early features of childhood arthritis and access to care are well reported (Foster et al, 2007). Our previous work has shown that teachers often detect change in function and are likely integral to early suspicion of joint disease and facilitating referral. As part of our programme to raise awareness of musculoskeletal problems in schools, we worked with the Medical Student Newcastle University Paediatric Society (NUPS) as part of the University School Engagement programme. Aims: • To increase awareness of childhood arthritis in the school setting • To encourage activities which promote healthy joints in children Methods: Within our department, GP registrars (LR, GD) have worked with us to facilitate their learning and experience of undergraduate teaching. In 2015, the GP registrar (LR) worked with members of NUPS (n = 27) to develop lesson plans and resources for children. The target groups were Key Stages 1 (age 4-5, 45 minute class) and 2 (age 7-8, 1 hour class). One student (AL) is a qualified primary school teacher and liaised with teachers to ensure the content and format were developmentally appropriate. The students used Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters (PMM: www.pmmonline.org) as the knowledge source. Two lessons involving various interactive activities were delivered by the students for each year group (approximately 120 children in total). Pupil information pack, parent information leaflet and a poster for the staff room were also developed. Anonymous feedback was obtained from teachers and pupils while medical students completed feedback using a Likert scale. Results: Teachers reported positive feedback (well delivered, informative and appropriate content and increased awareness of childhood arthritis). The majority (98%) of Key Stage 2 pupils enjoyed the lesson. 18/27 medical students completed a pre-lesson delivery questionnaire and 8/27 completed a post-lesson questionnaire; many reported an increased confidence in communicating with children in the classroom (88% Agree or Strongly Agree) and notably in the clinical setting (100% Agree or Strongly Agree). Conclusions: This pilot suggests a positive experience for pupils, teachers and medical students, with increased awareness about musculoskeletal health (and ill-health). There was considerable 'value added' to facilitate medical students to be more confident in engaging with young children, appreciation of normal development and experience of teaching and developing educational resources. Future directions will be to repeat the project next year and in additional schools, to further raise awareness and greater involvement of medical students. Furthermore, we plan to develop the resources to be freely available to teachers and be hosted on PMM.