P033 Online educational resources in paediatric and adolescent rheumatology- what’s new?
Authors: Lemon Jennifer , Close Rosie , Dobson Gabrielle , Maxey Kate , May Joanne , McLaughlin Diarmuid , Rajarathinam Indhuja , Saadalla Sarra , Yeo Liching , Watson Pippa A 
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims

Paediatric and adolescent rheumatology (PAR) is a small sub-specialty, and due to the rarity of some conditions, UK trainees find it difficult to access relevant educational materials. Furthermore, due to the wide geographical distribution of paediatric rheumatology centres, regional educational opportunities are limited. A 2022 survey of the UK PAR trainee group confirmed that the creation of more PAR specific online educational materials and signposting of current guidelines/ resources was needed. Survey participants were supportive of a range of delivery methods, including webinars, e-learning, case studies and podcasts.

Methods

A PAR trainee education team was formed in 2022, with the aim of promoting learning opportunities, by developing and collating educational resources. The PAR trainee education team has been working both independently and in conjunction with the British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) education team and Digital Learning Board (DLB) to achieve this aim. Activities have included the following: a) Creation of a BSR hosted Teams channel to store PAR specific educational information; b) PAR trainee inclusion on the BSR DLB, which creates digital education resources including podcasts and the monthly blended learning Spotlight topic series; c) Creation of PAR focused podcasts within the BSR Talking Rheumatology podcast series; d) Organisation of webinars on PAR relevant topics; e) Creation of a PAR podcast playlist on the Spotify platform; f) Production of a resource list and education newsletter to signpost relevant existing/upcoming learning opportunities and events.

Results

A 2023 follow up survey of the PAR trainee group (n = 16 respondents), showed the most used resources were podcasts (69%), the newsletter (63%) and resource list (43%). Webinars (38%), the Teams channel (38%) and the BSR Spotlight series (31%) had been accessed less. BSR podcast download data illustrated that PAR relevant podcasts from the Talking Rheumatology/ Talking Rheumatology Spotlight series have a UK and international audience. There have been over 2500 downloads from six PAR relevant podcasts covering myositis guidelines, biologics in PAR, HLH, antiphospholipid syndrome and ultrasound in PAR. Feedback from those who have used the various educational resources has been extremely positive, although comments have indicated a barrier in terms of awareness of the materials and how to access them.

Conclusion

Good progress has been made, however maximising means and opportunities to disseminate available resources within the PAR community is vital. Work to develop, collate and signpost more PAR educational content is ongoing. A project is in progress to create condition-specific lists of classification criteria, guidelines and key studies. The PAR trainee group are very grateful to all of those who have supported this work including the professionals who have shared their knowledge and expertise via podcasts and webinars, members of the BSR DLB and the education team at BSR.

Disclosure

J. Lemon: Other; Unpaid member of the BSR Digital Learning Board. R. Close: None. G. Dobson: None. K. Maxey: Other; Works for the BSR as Events and Education Officer. J. May: None. D. McLaughlin: None. I. Rajarathinam: None. S. Saadalla: None. L. Yeo: None. P.A. Watson: Other; Works for the BSR in a paid role (2PA per week ) as digital learning editor.