Skilled multidisciplinary team (MDT) care facilitates the best possible outcomes for children with rheumatic diseases.1-4 Yet there is a significant shortfall in MDT resources in Australia and New Zealand.5 To better understand the situation, we surveyed the 15 paediatric rheumatologists in the region, receiving 14 responses.
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- 1. Foster HE, Eltringham MS, Kay LJ, et al. Delay in access to appropriate care for children presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms and ultimately diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2007; 57: 401-404.
- 2. Foster H, Rapley T. Access to pediatric rheumatology care — a major challenge to improving outcome in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. J Rheumatol 2010; 37: 2199-2220.
- 3. Graham TP Jr, Beekman RH III, Freed MD, et al. Policy statement - Organizational principles to guide and define the child health care system and/or improve the health of all children. A report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association/American College of Physicians Task Force on Clinical Competence (ACC/AHA/AAP Writing Committee to Develop Training Recommendations for Pediatric Cardiology). Pediatrics 2005; 116: 263-269.
- 4. Munro J, Murray K, Boros C, et al. Australian Paediatric Rheumatology Group standards of care for the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. J Paediatr Child Health 2014; 50: 663-666.
- 5. Cox A, Piper S, Singh-Grewal D. Pediatric rheumatology consultant workforce in Australia and New Zealand: the current state of play and challenges for the future. Int J Rheum Dis 2016; doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.12802 [Epub ahead of print].
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No relevant disclosures.