Family-Centered Care in asthma treatment for patients under 5 years of age.

BACKGROUND

Family-Centered Care (FCC) is important for self-management education and partnership building in childhood asthma treatment. This study aimed to gather suggestions for promoting FCC in the asthma treatment of patients aged <5 years.

METHODS

We conducted a web-based survey of pediatric doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in Japan between June and August 2023. We measured the degree of FCC using the Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers (MPOC-SP) and assessed its associated factors using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 133 participants responded to the survey. MPOC-SP scores were 4.70 ± 1.03 for showing interpersonal sensitivity, 3.82 ± 1.34 for providing general information, 4.58 ± 1.28 for communicating specific information about the child, and 5.12 ± 0.95 for treating people respectfully. Their perception of sufficient time for FCC and good interprofessional collaboration was significantly associated with a high degree of FCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate provision of information to families and effective information-sharing within and between families is essential for improving FCC in childhood asthma treatment. To further promote FCC, securing time for FCC, raising awareness of its importance even in limited timeframes, and fostering interprofessional collaboration are key.