Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal → June 2003 → Health-Related Quality of Life, Disease Activity and Outcome Assessments→ Abstract #34
                                                                August 2003 → Pain / Health-Related Quality of Life → Abstract #34

JUVENILE ARTHRITIS SUMMER CAMP IMPROVES KNOWLEDGE, SATISFACTION AND HEALTH STATUS: FOLLOW UP STUDY

M. Perron,1 D. Driesman,1 L. Engle,1 T. Lowe,1 B. M. Feldman.2

1Rheumatology, Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; 2Rheumatology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada

The BMCC has run a summer camp for children with rheumatic conditions for over 10 years. Camp is divided by age: Junior(7 - 12 years), and Senior(13 - 17 years). Referrals are received from BMCC, HSC, and a variety of community agencies. Priority is based upon disease severity and service availability in home communities. The purpose of camp is to provide education on rheumatic disease and its management, while socializing in a fun and supportive environment. Patients & Methods: In 2002, 20 children attended Junior(n=13) and Senior(n=7) camps. The majority(n=17) of campers had a diagnosis of JIA, exceptions: Polyarterits Nodosa(n=2) and Dermatomyositis(n=1). Outcome measures were utilized at intake, discharge, and 3 months post-discharge. Outcome measures utilized at Junior camp were: the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire(CHAQ), a knowledge questionnaire(JCQ) developed by camp staff(RN, OT, PT), and Quality of My Life(QoL) scales to measure overall quality of life(OQoL) and health related quality of life(HRQL). Outcome measures utilized at Senior camp were: the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure(COPM) and QoL scales. Results: Knowledge surrounding rheumatic disease and its management improved significantly as a result of attending camp. The avg.(SD) score on the JCQ increased from 9.2(5) to 15.1(2.3)(p

0.0069). The avg. OQoL increased between intake(11.8/15) and discharge(12.9), but decreased 3 months following camp(10.13)(p=0.16). The avg. HRQL increased slightly from intake(11.1/15) to discharge(11.35 ), while decreasing at follow up(8.86)(p=0.91). Avg.(SD) scores on the COPM performance scale increased from 5.7(1.2) to 7.7(0.9) and the COPM satisfaction scale increased from 5.9(2.1) to 7.6(1.2). The 3 month follow up results of senior camp pending. Conclusions: Summer camp provides a novel and effective opportunity to significantly improve an individual's knowledge surrounding rheumatic disease, and help them to meet self determined goals in a fun and social environment.