Otitis media with effusion: what parents want to know.

INTRODUCTION

Otitis media with effusion is a common condition of childhood. The development of an information leaflet for parents of children with the condition, and its impact on clinical management, have not previously been examined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighteen doctors and 38 parents assessed the content of an information leaflet on otitis media with effusion, by applying two rounds of the modified Delphi technique. A qualitative assessment of content items was also performed.

RESULTS

From the 23-item list used in the first assessment round, four items had a low doctor-parent agreement and seven were excluded. Differences were also noticed in comments on the value of such leaflets, with parents being more positive about the value of leaflet distribution.

CONCLUSION

During the consultation, doctors may not tell parents what they want to know, especially regarding daily care of their child. An information leaflet, developed using the Delphi technique, can help reduce this discrepancy and increase parents' satisfaction.