Parents' Decision Making During Their Child's Asthma Attack: Qualitative Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
• Qualitative Health Research
• Family Health

Background:

• Childhood asthma attacks require timely medical intervention.
• Parental decision-making processes during acute pediatric asthma exacerbations are complex.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for improving emergency care access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize qualitative evidence on factors influencing parental decisions to seek medical help for a child's asthma attack.
• To explore parents' and carers' experiences during acute pediatric asthma episodes.
• To identify key influences on seeking medical assistance for childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.
• Inclusion criteria: qualitative methodologies, parent/carer experience, children aged 2-12 years during acute asthma attacks.
• Databases searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL. Quality appraisal using CASP.

Main Results:

• 17 qualitative studies were included from 4798 identified.
• Two main processes influencing parental decisions emerged: past experiences and specific facilitators.
• Past experiences inform future decisions; facilitators drive proactive medical help-seeking.

Conclusions:

• Asthma education should extend beyond clinical information to address parents' unique experiences and family strengths.
• Family-centered asthma education can positively influence parental decisions to seek medical assistance during child asthma attacks.
• Targeted education can empower parents to better manage pediatric asthma emergencies.