Children\u2019s, parents\u2019 and health professionals\u2019 views on the management of childhood asthma: a qualitative study

Aidan Searle,Russell Jago,John Henderson,Katrina M Turner

doi:10.1038/s41533-017-0053-7

Abstract

The management of childhood asthma is often sub-optimal. Parents and other caregivers are primarily responsible for disease management and this responsibility includes communication with health professionals. The aim of this multi-perspective qualitative study was to explore the views of children, parents and health professionals to gain insight into the approach to clinical care in the management of childhood asthma. Interviews were held with nine parent–child (6–8 years) dyads, and 13 health professionals working in primary and secondary care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Three key themes emerged that were common to all data sets; (1) Child and parent awareness of symptoms; (2) Management and child wellbeing; and (3) Professional communication education and consultation with families. Although some children demonstrate good awareness of symptoms and appropriate use of medication, some parents expressed difficulty in identifying triggers and symptoms of asthma. Furthermore, parents lacked awareness regarding appropriate use of medication for preventing and managing symptoms of asthma. Health professionals believed that communication and education was lacking. Data from all participants suggested that consultations could be enhanced with greater emphasis on children’s and parents’ perceptions of asthma in the development of asthma management plans.

Highlights

Over one million (1 in 11) children in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma and the majority of these patients are managed exclusively in primary care.[1, 2]During early childhood, parents and other caregivers are primarily responsible for disease management
Parents and other caregivers are primarily responsible for disease management
Some parents expressed that they were unclear with regard to the role of medication as an intervention to relieve acute. This view was further substantiated by health professionals, asthma symptoms or preventing future symptoms; who felt that families do not have a clear understanding of the purpose and administration of their child’s medication; So I’m a bit suspicious of whether he’s having the medicine for him or whether he’s having it to prevent something

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Over one million (1 in 11) children in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma and the majority of these patients are managed exclusively in primary care.[1, 2]. (HP003, Female, Secondary Care, Nurse Specialist) or we’re getting- so again, you can see why it’s happened This view was further substantiated by health professionals, asthma symptoms or preventing future symptoms; who felt that families do not have a clear understanding of the purpose and administration of their child’s medication; So I’m a bit suspicious of whether he’s having the medicine for him or whether he’s having it to prevent something. (HP002, Female, Nurse Health professionals’ awareness of child and parent perceptions of Specialist, Secondary Care) asthma can influence asthma management decisions and the provision of information for families.

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION

METHODS