Paediatric severe asthma biologics service: from hospital to home.
Sukeshi MakhechaAngela JamalzadehSamantha IrvingPippa HallSamatha SonnappaSejal SaglaniAndrew BushLouise J FlemingPublished in: Archives of disease in childhood (2021)
Children with severe asthma may be treated with biologic agents normally requiring 2-4 weekly injections in hospital. In March 2020, due to COVID-19, we needed to minimise hospital visits. We assessed whether biologics could be given safely at home. The multidisciplinary team identified children to be considered for home administration. This was virtually observed using a video link, and home spirometry was also performed. Feedback was obtained from carers and young people. Of 23 patients receiving biologics, 16 (70%) families agreed to homecare administration, 14 administered by parents/patients and 2 by a local nursing team. Video calls for omalizumab were observed on 56 occasions, mepolizumab on 19 occasions over 4 months (April-July). Medication was administered inaccurately on 2/75 occasions without any adverse events. Virtually observed home biologic administration in severe asthmatic children, supported by video calls and home spirometry, is feasible, safe and is positively perceived by children and their families.
Keyphrases
- healthcare
- young adults
- end stage renal disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
- quality improvement
- emergency department
- lung function
- adverse drug
- sars cov
- palliative care
- chronic kidney disease
- intensive care unit
- newly diagnosed
- physical activity
- ejection fraction
- peritoneal dialysis
- depressive symptoms
- early onset
- cystic fibrosis
- acute care
- prognostic factors
- ultrasound guided
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease