Abstract
Background:
In 2004, the Servicio Aragon´es de Salud (SALUD) elaborated, by means of consensus, the Care of Asthmatic Children Document. Since that year, the care of asthmatic children has been included in the services provided [1].
Objective:
To know the human and material resources that are available for care of asthmatic children and adolescents in Aragon' Health Centres, the asthma training received by professionals as well as the way in which the asthmatic children are treated. Material and methods: A survey was sent to the 138 paediatricians working in Primary Care of SALUD.
Results:
71% of paediatricians surveyed replied. 90% have spirometers and 41% have paediatric mouthpieces. 75% have inhaled bronchodilators and spacers. 85% have hand held inhalers with placebo, 42% hand out information about triggers and 17% of paediatricians prepare a written asthma action plan for their patients. Asthmatic children are seen in surgery hours (82%). Spirometry is carried out by 40% of professionals. 36% have a register of all their asthmatic patients and 23% have the patients classified according to the severity of their asthma.
Conclusions:
The primary care paediatricians should strive both, to receive proper training in asthma and provide asthmatic children with suitable care. The Institutions should supply the necessary human resources and equipment, and there should be complete coordination with specialist care.
Conflict of interest and funding
There is no conflict of interest.
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