144 QUALITY OF CARE IN PEDIATRIC CHRONIC DISEASES: A STUDY IN ITALY

Abstract

A collaborative survey of parents and family physicians of children with eight chronic diseases was conducted to assess the views of parents on case management, to campare their views with those of physicians and to identify factors that could be modified to improve the health of children with chronic illness. In all, 761 children were enrolled, with both household family interview and postal questionnaire answered by 549 family physicians. A wide difference in parental satisfaction was found between the chronic diseases. In fact, about 90% of the parents were satisfied with case management for children with celiac diseases (98/106), asthma (74/82) and diabetes (77/89), whereas more than 35% of parents of patients affected by cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome were dissatisfied (75/198 and 57/155, respectively). Similar profile was reported by family physicians regarding their views on case management, with an agreement equal to 75% of the total sample. Distance from the hospital and the need for more information on financial aid and management of diseases were the sources of greatest dissatisfaction. Absence for routine referral was the most frequent strategy for diabetes and cystic fibrosis adopted by the physicians, whereas for asthma more than 60% referred their patients for all aspects of care. About 50% of the physicians agreed that better communication with other medical services could facilitate their role as case managers. This established collaborative network now provides a framework for periodic surveillance to monitor the evolution in this field of care for improving the health of children with chronic disease.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD