Open AccessA ustralian caregivers’ management of childhood ailments
Author(s) -
Hietbrink Elsa,
Bakshi Ruchi,
Moles Rebekah J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of pharmacy practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.42
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 2042-7174
pISSN - 0961-7671
DOI - 10.1111/ijpp.12067
Subject(s) - medicine , dosing , family medicine , focus group , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , pharmacology , business , marketing
Aim To profile medication dosing behaviour of caregivers of children aged 5 years and under in fever and cough/cold management. Methods Caregivers ( n = 97), recruited from childcare centres in S ydney, A ustralia, were presented two scenarios in a face to face consultation with the researcher, requiring them to make decisions about the management of a child, including medicine dosing. Accuracy of doses and appropriateness of management were documented. Focus groups explored factors surrounding caregivers’ skills. Results In the fever scenario, 45% (44/97) chose to medicate when temperature was below 38° C . Many measured incorrect doses and stated inappropriate dosage intervals. Only 23% managed the scenario appropriately. In the cough/cold scenario, 43% (38/89) chose to medicate. Overall, only 35% (45/127) of dose measurements observed were accurate based on the child's weight. Focus groups revealed that caregivers are not aware of risks associated with children's medicines and when to medicate. Conclusions The ability of caregivers to accurately measure and administer doses is important. Determining the motivations to use medicines, as well as dosing behaviours is necessary to improve the quality use of medicines.