Related Experiment Videos
Strategies to promote medication adherence in children with asthma
1University of North Florida Health Care Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA. DivertieMC@aol.com
Insights
Pediatric asthma treatment adherence is crucial for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. Nurses can improve adherence by addressing financial, educational, and cultural barriers and implementing supportive asthma programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Healthcare Adherence Research
Background:
- Asthma is a leading chronic childhood illness with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Poor adherence to treatment plans contributes to adverse pediatric asthma outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To guide nurses in identifying barriers to pediatric asthma treatment adherence.
- To provide practical strategies for enhancing adherence in pediatric asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and clinical experience synthesis.
- Identification of common obstacles to adherence.
- Development of practical interventions for nurses.
Main Results:
- Key barriers include financial constraints, misconceptions, cultural factors, and inadequate family education.
- Effective asthma programs incorporate family education, accessible communication, and timely care.
- Addressing these barriers can significantly improve adherence.
Conclusions:
- Nurses play a vital role in overcoming adherence obstacles for children with asthma.
- Optimizing asthma management programs enhances patient quality of life.
- Open communication and consistent support are essential for pediatric asthma care.
Abstract:
Asthma, the most common chronic disease in childhood, continues to be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, despite improved treatment protocols. Lack of adherence to individual treatment plans has been implicated in these poor outcomes. The purpose of this article is to assist the nurse in identifying obstacles that might limit adherence to treatment, and offer practical suggestions for promoting adherence in pediatric patients. The reasons that children and children's families fail to adhere to individual treatment plans include financial barriers, misconceptions about asthma, cultural influences, and mistaken health beliefs. In addition, family education about asthma management can be inadequate. An efficiently run asthma program, which includes family education, easy telephone access to the provider, prompt attention during exacerbations, and frequent follow-up, can improve adherence. By eliminating barriers to adherence and maintaining open communication and consistent positive support, nurses can help children with asthma attain and maintain the highest quality of life.