12 May 2023
This year's RCPCH Conference, taking place in Glasgow on 23-25 May has a wide range of specialty sessions and workshops. Locum consultant paediatrician, Rosie Close, who has been organising the paediatric steam, talks to us about what to expect and insightful talks from leading voices and keynote speakers in paediatrics and healthcare.
Overview of the programme of the stream
Delegates can expect a combined programme in specialty and special interest group sessions. The last day of the programme features BSR collaborating with the British Paediatric Neurology Association to focus on mental health in chronic diseases which is a massive issue post-pandemic. This year’s theme is 'Child health in a changing world', it's more relevant than ever as we navigate challenges and opportunities in paediatrics.
What should the audience expect from the combined airtime with the British Paediatric Neurology Association?
The neurology guest speaker has a tool for screening early intervention of mental health problems in the paediatric epilepsy clinic. This applies to all patients with a chronic disease and is accompanied by a powerful talk by an expert in the area who has done a lot of research into mental health and young people. Clinical Academic Programme Lead and Nurse NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow, Dr Polly Livermore, explains the importance of the holistic approach to all our patients.
What will paediatric rheumatology members learn from the session?
The mental health pandemic is affecting all specialities and we all need to work together to come to a solution for this. The speakers will highlight the importance of early identification and how this is key to finding a novel screening approach.
Are there any highlights from the abstracts that will be presented?
A common problem is trying to differentiate a flare from an infection, especially in patients that are immunocompromised. I’m really excited to hear the presentation that will investigate tackling this. There’s been a lot in the news about the acute treatment of paediatric multisystemic inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with Covid-19 (PIMS-TS).
We also have a speaker from the regional (PIMS-TS) clinic who will be looking at patient-reported outcomes, it’ll be interesting to hear those findings.
Why should paediatric rheumatology members attend the RCPCH?
It’s a chance to catch up at an exclusive child-focused conference with colleagues working across all areas of paediatric specialties. Attendees can share ideas, and experiences and network with members of the paediatric rheumatology community.