1. Perspectives on paediatric sleep-disordered breathing in the UK: a qualitative study.
- Author
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Haighton, C, Watson, R M, Wilson, J A, and Powell, S
- Subjects
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SLEEP apnea syndrome treatment , *WELL-being , *PARENT attitudes , *PSYCHOLOGY of parents , *BODY weight , *RESEARCH methodology , *PHYSICIANS' attitudes , *INTERVIEWING , *MEDICAL technology , *MEDICAL protocols , *ATTITUDES toward illness , *QUALITATIVE research , *SLEEP apnea syndromes , *PATIENT-family relations , *DECISION making , *SOUND recordings , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *MEDICAL referrals , *DECISION making in clinical medicine , *THEMATIC analysis , *CHILDREN - Abstract
Objective: There is limited understanding of treatment pathways for paediatric sleep-disordered breathing. This study explored current UK pathways and what is important to well-being for parents and children. Method: The study comprised in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 22) with parents of children (2–9 years) with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing referred to a regional ENT clinic (n = 11), general practitioners who might refer these children to ENT (n = 5) and hospital doctors involved in treating these children (n = 6). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymised and analysed thematically. Results: General practitioners rarely identify seeing children with sleep-disordered breathing; conversely hospital doctors identify unsuspected issues. Parents are worried their child will stop breathing, but routes to referral and diagnosis are not straightforward. Modern technology can aid investigation and diagnosis. Patient weight is an issue for general practitioners and hospital doctors. Adenotonsillectomy is the treatment of choice, and information on paediatric sleep-disordered breathing is needed. Conclusion: Guidelines for the management of paediatric sleep-disordered breathing are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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