Can a management pathway for chronic cough in children improve clinical outcomes: protocol for a multicentre

A B Chang1, C F Robertson, P P van Asperen

  • 1Child Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. annechang@ausdoctors.net

Trials
|November 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study evaluates an evidence-based pathway for managing chronic cough in children, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. The pathway proved feasible and reliable in a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory medicine
  • Clinical trial methodology
  • Evidence-based healthcare

Background:

  • Chronic cough in children presents significant human and economic costs.
  • Current management of pediatric chronic cough requires improvement.
  • The symptom can indicate serious underlying conditions or be benign.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the feasibility and reliability of an evidence-based management pathway for pediatric chronic cough.
  • To assess the impact of this pathway on clinical outcomes, including quality of life.
  • To provide evidence supporting optimal management strategies for chronic cough in children.

Main Methods:

  • A multicentre randomized controlled trial involving 250 children with new-onset chronic cough.
  • Comparison between a standardized clinical management pathway and usual care.
  • Data collection included cough diaries, quality of life measures (QOL), and follow-up for 6 months post-diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Primary outcomes focus on group differences in quality of life (QOL) and the proportion of children who are cough-free at 6 weeks.
  • The study assesses the feasibility and reliability of implementing the evidence-based pathway.
  • Results will inform the effectiveness of the standardized pathway in improving pediatric chronic cough outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The developed clinical management pathway integrates Cochrane Reviews and extensive clinical experience.
  • This study aims to provide crucial evidence on the best practices for managing chronic cough in pediatric populations.
  • Findings will contribute to optimizing the care of children experiencing persistent cough.
Abstract

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