Children’s, parents' and health professionals' views on the management of childhood asthma: a qualitative study

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