A qualitative evaluation of a pre-consultation guide intended to promote the participation of young people in asthma review consultations

Abstract

ObjectiveYoung people's (age range 14–19 years) participation in consultations with health professionals can be limited. There has been little research into pre-consultation support for young people. This study evaluated a pre-consultation guide developed to promote young people's participation in asthma review consultations. MethodsA pre-consultation guide was evaluated in qualitative exit interviews with 24 young people and 9 primary care nurses in the United Kingdom. ResultsYoung people found the guide to be reassuring and supportive; peer written content, particularly example questions, helped to develop confidence and an intention to participate. Nurses suggested the guide could be a useful tool to aid young people's communication of asthma-related experiences. ConclusionQuotations from young people were highlighted as of particular value. Self-efficacy can be increased through observing how peers perform. Confidence and intention to change behavior are linked with actual behavior change. Future research should explore the impact of the pre-consultation guide on increased self-efficacy, developing an intention to change behavior and whether this is acted upon. Practice implicationsUsed as a tool in a consultation may support change in practice nurses’ consulting style and enable young people's participation.