PReS-FINAL-2249: A national survey of the role of the paediatric rheumatology nurse in performing steroid joint injections in the UK

Introduction Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children. Treatments involve Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Agents (DMARDs), steroids and various biologic drugs. Steroid injections directly into affected joints are an important part of the range of treatments available for children with JIA. The British Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology (BSPAR) guidelines state that “all patients with JIA will have access to intra-articular joint injections as required, with access to entonox, general anaesthesia and appropriate imaging technology where necessary.” To meet the increasing demand for steroid joint injections, Rheumatology nurses and other rheumatology allied health professionals have started training to carry out this extended role in some parts of the UK.