The impact of a chronic condition on the families of children with asthma.

As the incidence and severity of asthma continues to escalate, many families will encounter complex issues related to condition management and family coping. Nurses must understand the impact that a chronic condition can have upon the family in order to assist parents in developing their ability to manage their child's care. The use of an assessment tool, such as Hymovich's Parent Perception Inventory (HPPI) can assist nurses in this effort. Several research studies have demonstrated that common child and family concerns include time away from school and work; social restrictions; fear of exacerbations; and anxiety over treatment protocols. A preliminary study on a small convenience sample of families showed that parents had greatest concerns about time management, financial strain, and family relations (see Figure 1). Important nursing interventions related to family management of asthma include assessing family perceptions and coping abilities; encouraging expression of feelings and concerns; educating the child and family about the disease and condition management; supporting positive coping behaviors; and securing resources to help families manage their child's condition.