Experiences of parents and carers managing asthma in children
Date
2019
Authors
Fawcett, Robyn Jane
Editors
Advisors
Porritt, Kylie
Stern, Cindy
Carson-Chahhoud, Kristin
Stern, Cindy
Carson-Chahhoud, Kristin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Thesis
Citation
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
Objective: This thesis presents a systematic review of the best available qualitative evidence to understand the lived experiences of parents and carers caring for and managing asthma in a child or children aged 0-18 years in any setting. Background: Asthma affects around 14% of children worldwide and despite availability of effective therapies asthma control is suboptimal and hospitalisation rates high. Mothers predominantly manage their children’s asthma and experience stress and exhaustion due to complex treatments and external factors such as managing work and family life. This review provides an understanding of barriers parents and carers face in managing their child’s asthma and highlights the needs of families throughout their asthma journey. Inclusion Criteria: The review considered qualitative studies examining experiences of parents and carers caring for and managing a child with asthma, wheeze or bronchiolitis. Research designs included, but were not limited to phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action and feminist research. Methods: A comprehensive search using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science and hand- searching for both published and unpublished studies was completed initially in June 2017 and repeated in December 2017. Studies published in English with a date range from 1972 to 2017 were included. The recommended JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction and data synthesis was undertaken. Results: A total of 77 studies were identified following appraisal of the literature with 1,161 findings (966 unequivocal and 195 credible) extracted from included studies and grouped into 41 categories based on similarity of meaning. From 41 categories, seven synthesised statements were produced: (1) Negotiating the meaning of having a child with asthma, (2) The process of getting a diagnosis and learning about asthma (3) Impact on family life, (4) Relationships with healthcare professionals and the emergency department experience, (5) Medication beliefs, concerns and management strategies, (6) With time, parents and carers became more comfortable managing their child’s asthma, (7) The need for support. Conclusions: Findings of this review highlight the difficulties parents and carers face when caring for a child with asthma and managing their child’s condition. Attaining a definitive diagnosis of asthma can be challenging and parents and carers express uncertainty and fear due to continuing symptoms and repeated hospitalisations. Healthcare professionals should ensure a clear diagnostic strategy and treatment plan is communicated so that parents and carers understand the pathway to receiving an actual diagnosis. Comprehensive asthma education is essential at the onset of asthma symptoms, with the provision of accurate, easy to understand and culturally relevant information. Supportive relationships with healthcare professionals are recommended including taking a partnership approach, ensuring adequate time and regular follow-up, continuity of care and addressing psychosocial and cultural needs and concerns of parents. Comprehensive training for education staff is imperative to ensure staff can respond appropriately in an asthma emergency and support students and parents by providing asthma friendly environments. Support groups for parents and carers are also recommended to provide ongoing education and psychological support.
School/Discipline
The Joanna Briggs Institute
Dissertation Note
Thesis (MClinSc) -- University of Adelaide, The Joanna Briggs Institute, 2019
Provenance
This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals