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Asthma in children: gaps between current management and best practice.
M M Haby1, C V E Powell, F Oberklaid
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|June 6, 2002
Summary
Many children with asthma lack adequate management, with over 60% not using preventive medication and many parents lacking information. Improving asthma care requires better doctor-led reviews and action plans for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Public Health
- Asthma Management
Background:
- The Australian six-step asthma management plan aims to optimize care for children with asthma.
- Effective asthma management is crucial for reducing exacerbations and improving quality of life in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the implementation of key steps (3-6) of the Australian asthma management plan in community settings.
- To identify barriers hindering the adoption of best practices in pediatric asthma care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 231 children aged 2-5 years presenting with asthma to emergency departments.
- Data collected via parent-completed questionnaires focusing on asthma management practices and perceived barriers.
Main Results:
- Significant gaps identified: 51% parents lack information on triggers, >60% children with persistent asthma not on preventive medication, 48% lack action plans, 39% unreviewed in 6 months.
- Positive findings include: 83% doctors discussed triggers, <1% used inhalers without spacers, 83% of action plan users utilized them during emergency visits.
Conclusions:
- Current asthma management for emergency department attendees shows significant deviations from best practices.
- Enhancing pediatric asthma care necessitates proactive doctor-initiated reviews, provision of action plans, and adherence to medication guidelines.