Background: Narrative medicine allows patients to reconstruct medical experiences through written portrayals of perspectives, building a mutual depiction of illness while creating a sense of belonging. This modality has not been previously studied in youth with rheumatologic illnesses, a population with high mental health burden and worse health-related quality of life. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a storytelling intervention in this patient population. Methods: This is a mixed-methods study of 14–21-year-olds with rheumatologic diseases followed in the Bronx, NY. Participants completed an hour-long creative writing session focused on patient experience with chronic disease. Pre- and post-questionnaires assessed patient-reported outcomes, and post-participation video interviews assessed personal experiences through the storytelling session. Results: Thirteen female patients were divided amongst four creative writing sessions. Twelve patients completed pre-study questionnaires and 10 completed post-study questionnaires, with 100% completion of the post-participation interviews. PedsQL surveys showed statistically significant improvement in physical health (p < 0.02), and there was no significant difference between pre- and post-scores for any other questionnaires. Interview thematic domains included writing motivation, prior writing experience, illness experience, relating to others, relationship with providers, and support. Conclusion: Creative writing is a feasible and acceptable intervention for youth with rheumatologic illnesses.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to discuss the clinical management of children with pediatric rheumatic disease (PRD) during the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as the unique role of the pediatric rheumatologist during a time of emerging post-COVID inflammatory sequelae including, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Recent findingsTo date, there has been little evidence to suggest that children with PRD, including those on immunomodulatory therapies, are at increased risk for severe COVID-19. Clinical guidance statements have been created to support clinical providers in providing care to children with PRD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatric rheumatologists have also been called upon to assist in the identification and management of post-COVID sequelae, including the rapidly emerging inflammatory illness, MIS-C.