18 June 2026
Our guideline working group (GWG) have published the scope for our juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) guideline. This marks an important early step in the development of what will be the first BSR guideline to take a truly holistic, life鈥慶ourse approach to JIA care.
JIA is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease beginning in childhood, yet its effects often extend well beyond the paediatric years. The newly published scope sets out the ambition for this guideline: to support high鈥憅uality, evidence鈥慴ased care for children, young people and adults with JIA, wherever they are treated in the UK.
Commenting on the publication, Chair of the GWG, Dr Sandrine Compeyrot鈥慙acassagne, said:
鈥淛IA is a lifelong condition, but care pathways have historically been fragmented between paediatric and adult services. This guideline is important because it brings together the full breadth of JIA management鈥攎edical, non鈥憄harmacological and developmental鈥攁cross all ages, with the aim of improving consistency, equity and outcomes for everyone living with JIA.鈥�
The scope confirms that the guideline will cover areas such as diagnosis and monitoring (including imaging), pharmacological and non鈥憄harmacological management, screening for comorbidities like uveitis, developmentally appropriate care, transition to adult services, and addressing health inequalities. It also reflects the multidisciplinary nature of JIA care, with relevance for a wide range of healthcare professionals.
People with lived experience have played a central role in shaping the scope from the outset. Catherine Wright, Expert by Experience on the working group, explained:
鈥淔or people living with JIA and their families, this guideline has the potential to make care feel more joined鈥憉p and more person鈥慶entred. It鈥檚 about recognising the impact JIA has on everyday life - not just joints - and helping ensure people feel supported as their needs change over time.鈥�
Publishing the scope signals the start of the next phase of work, with systematic reviews and consultation to follow. We look forward to sharing further updates as this important guideline develops.