Adolescent and caregivers' experiences of electronic adherence assessment in paediatric problematic severe asthma.

This study explored the experiences of adolescents and their caregivers regarding adherence to inhaled corticosteroids which are assessed through an electronic monitoring device (EMD). These devices are increasingly being used for assessing medication adherence, yet there is little information about patient's experience of these tools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight adolescents with severe asthma, aged 11-15 years, who were electronically monitored as part of their care, along with their caregivers.

Managing the pediatric patient with refractory asthma: a multidisciplinary approach.

Children with asthma that is refractory to high levels of prescribed treatment are described as having problematic severe asthma. Those in whom persistent symptoms result from a failure of basic asthma management are described as having "difficult asthma", while those who remain symptomatic despite these factors having been addressed are described as having "severe therapy-resistant asthma" (STRA). The majority of children have difficult asthma; asthma that is poorly controlled because of a failure to get the basics of asthma management right.

The Role and Value of a Paediatric Specialist Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Service: Parental Perceptions.

Background:   This study was undertaken to explore parental perceptions of the role and value of a specialist service for children and families. This service offers assessment and diagnosis of children with neurodevelopmental disorders of the kind that are not evident at birth.

Method:   Information was collected from 37 families on expectations and experience of clinic attendance, user satisfaction and outcome through interviews and questionnaires, once before and twice after clinic attendance.