Quality of life of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and the role of the school nurse

Introduction: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) can significantly impact children’s quality of life by restricting their participation in everyday activities and affecting their psychosocial development. School nurses can provide education and counseling to children with JIA and their families regarding the disease, its symptoms, and management strategies, affecting their quality of life (QoL) positively.

Aim: The aim of the review was to explore the role of the school nurse in improving the quality of life of children with JIA. Additionally, the study sought to map the existing literature on this topic and identify potential research gaps.

Methodology: For the purposes of this study, a scoping review methodology was adopted. The literature search was conducted across academic databases using the keywords “juvenile idiopathic arthritis”, “quality of life”, “school nurse”, “intervention”, and “psychosocial support”.

Findings: A total of 139 studies were identified, however only two studies met the inclusion criteria. Parents reported that their experiences with school nurses were largely supportive, although there was some variation among nurses and across school levels. Some adolescents described greater support and less stigma from school nurses when they were younger, while others noted improvements as they grew older. The availability of the school nurse emerged as a critical factor for children with JIA. The nurse’s role extended beyond medical care to include psychological support and the enhancement of the child’s sense of safety within the school environment.

Conclusions: JIA negatively affects children’s quality of life, while the school nurse can play a significant role in supporting and enhancing it. However, a clear gap was identified in the existing literature regarding the contribution of the school nurse, highlighting the need for further research.