General Information
The goal of the project is to establish a system of care to improve outcomes for patients with polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA), utilizing appropriate referral to rheumatology for diagnosis and plans of care, and co-management of pJIA in the medical home for primary care providers. This would include coordinating primary care, immunization decisions for patients using immunosuppressive medications, and helping children deal with chronic pain and depression due to functional limitations.
This project will utilize a multi-pronged approach, including gathering background, resource development and virtual continuing medical education (CME) sessions aimed at practice transformation and healthcare provider behavior change. The virtual education sessions will focus on initial screening and diagnosis, referrals, co-management in primary care and mental health aspects. Resources will be provided to underserved, outlying practices that are not close to a tertiary children’s hospital to improve care and outcomes in their populations. Healthcare providers who participate in this project will have long-term and lasting positive impacts on health outcomes of their pIJA patients.
Staff & Leadership
- Chris Peltier, MD, FAAP – Medical Director , Principle Investigator
- Jennifer Huggins, MD – Subject Matter Expert
- Lory Sheeran Winland – Program Manager