Clinical audit of management of asthma in children at Korle Bu teaching hospital

Abstract

Asthma is now recognized as an important childhood Illness in developing countries. Unnecessary morbidity and mortality are caused by lack of recognition and inadequate treatment of asthma, All audit of the management of children with acute asthma admitted to the Karle Bu Teaching hospital was conducted with the view of making recommendations for the improvement of patient care The case notes of patients \1ho had suffered at least 3 episodes of breathlessness and Wheeze were inspected to assess the drug history, clinical evaluation of the severity of the al1ack. investigations requested and medications prescribed. There were 102 admissions. A drug history was recorded for 60 (58 .8%) admissions. Chest auscultation findings were documented for 98 (96.1%) patients and the ability to complete sentences for 10 (9.8%), The peak expiratory flow rate was not measured for any of the patients. Drugs had to be bought by parents/guardians for 16 (16.3%) admissions before the treatment could be initiated. Treatment was delayed for more than 30 minutes III 20 (20.6%) patie1lls, Nebulised salbutamol and systemic steroids were prescribed for 98 (96, 1 %) and 55(53.80%) patients, respectively. The results showed that the assessment ,and treatment of patients was inadequate and recommendations for improvement are made.