Experience from a group of adolescents with severe allergy asthma treatment with omalizumab

UNLABELLED: Theme: Complex health care and chronic disease management.BACKGROUND: Evidence supports that group educational interventions improve self-perception, self-confidence and attack management in asthma care.AIM: To evaluate education and structured dialogue in enhancing knowledge and insight in the asthma disease, treatment with omalizumab and social behaviour.METHOD: A group of four 13-16-year-olds received education using question and answer cards, and were informed about the effects and adverse effects of omalizumab. The dialogue included life before and after, relation to family and friends, ability and lack of ability to perform physical activities, and dreams of the future. One week later there was a telephone interview.RESULTS: All four adolescents experienced a positive change in everyday life and ability to manage the asthma disease. Furthermore, they all experienced an enhanced physical ability. In the interview they reflected on their own disease and physical ability.CONCLUSION: Adolescents with a chronic disease benefit from sharing thoughts, emotions and knowledge about their disease and treatment.