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Parents' perspectives on dried blood spot self‐sampling from children with epilepsy: A mixed‐method study
Author(s) -
Linder Camilla,
Neideman Mirja,
GambellBarroso Miguel,
Gustafsson Lars L.,
Wide Katarina,
Pohanka Anton,
BastholmRahmner Pia
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.15264
Subject(s) - medicine , sampling (signal processing) , thematic analysis , epilepsy , sample (material) , blood sampling , experience sampling method , family medicine , clinical psychology , medical education , psychiatry , qualitative research , psychology , social psychology , social science , chemistry , filter (signal processing) , chromatography , sociology , computer science , computer vision
Aim Children with epilepsy often have concomitant diagnoses. Dried blood spot samples for drug monitoring can be collected by parents at home as an alternative to traditional sampling. This mixed‐method study aimed to understand the parents' perspectives on blood self‐sampling from their children and to identify factors contributing to successful sampling. Method Parents who had collected a sample from their child during a visit to the neuropediatric clinic were asked to fill in a questionnaire. To get in‐depth information and individual perspectives, parents and nurses participated in semi‐structured interviews and analysed with thematic analysis. Results The results from questionnaires (n = 64) and interviews (n = 9) were interpreted together. Watching an instruction video and practical training contributed to successful sampling. 97% of the parents managed to collect a sample, 72% thought it was easy to perform, and 80% found self‐sampling at home desirable. Factors for success were as follows: high motivation, prepared parents with pre‐understanding, a pragmatic attitude, flexible education, effective communication and willingness to take on the role as a performer. Risk factors were as follows: conflict, fear, unprepared parents, confused or worried children. Conclusion Voluntary self‐sampling at home for parents of children with epilepsy is feasible and can reduce stress factors in everyday life.