Monitoring adherence in children with asthma. Issue 7 (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wong, Chu-Hai; Morton, Robert W.
• Is Part Of: Paediatrics and child health. Volume 31:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 284
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: adherence -- asthma -- digital health -- electronic monitoring devices -- inhaler -- paediatric -- preventer; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pédiatrie -- Périodiques; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paed.2021.04.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7222

Abstract

Abstract: Poor adherence is a global health issue, affecting all chronic conditions and all age groups. Medications will only work if they are taken, and ongoing adherence to medication and treatment is difficult in chronic illness. Average adherence rates are approximately 50% in paediatric patients with asthma, and this can lead to poor disease control and an increase in morbidity. Thus, it is prudent to consider and discuss non-adherence, whether it be intentional or unintentional, to avoid unnecessary escalation of treatment. In this review, we discuss the fundamentals of adherence and the importance of goal setting. We discuss the challenges in varying age-groups, and methods that can be incorporated in various settings to optimize adherence. We explore how the advent of e-health (the combination of healthcare and technology) has impacted upon our ability to monitor adherence.