Clinical audit of management of asthma in children at Korle Bu teaching hospital
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Date
2003-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ghana Medical Journal
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.
Description
journal Article
Keywords
Acute asthma, children, management, audit