What parents of children with asthma tell us.

INTRODUCTION

The family's contribution to effective asthma management is increasingly being recognized. This study gathered and analyzed information from parents about their greatest fears relative to having a child with asthma and identified information that parents believed was critical for providers to acknowledge. The methodology serves as a model for possible practitioner-directed action research with their care population.

METHODS

Written information from 52 parents who attended focus groups comprise the data. Data were analyzed using constant comparative strategies.

RESULTS

Common parental fears included uncertainty, long-term effects of medication, and concern that the condition would not go away or improve. Common themes parents wanted providers to know included the following: parents need more information; parents are scared and fearful; living with asthma is difficult, and this stress affects the parents' behavior; and parents know what is best for their child. Age trends were identified for fear themes only.

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest parents can and should be asked about their greatest fears and concerns. Although developmental patterns may be used to initiate discussion, providers need to identify parents' unique concerns so they can integrate them in refining the child's asthma action plan.