Promotion of Self-Management of Chronic Disease in Children and Teenagers: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: The scientific literature describes that self-management of chronic illness leads to improved health outcomes. Knowledge about interventions that promote self-management behaviors in children and teenagers has been poorly clarified. This study aims to map, in the scientific literature, the nature and extent of interventions that promote self-management of chronic disease, implemented and evaluated in contexts of health care provided to children and teenagers. Methods: The guidelines proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute were followed. The survey was conducted in June 2021, with access to international databases and gray literature, in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish. Results: Interventions that promote self-management of children and teenagers can be developed through a local contact or through technological means of support for health care. The use of online supports, such as applications or communication platforms, should be parameterized with health professionals, according to the needs of users. Conclusions: The acquisition of self-management skills in pediatrics is a process supported by the family, health professionals and the community, in which the nurse, in partnership, can promote communication and health education through cognitive strategies, behavioral programs included in physical or online programs, adjusted to the patients’ needs.

Instruments Measuring Self-Care in Children and Young Adults With Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review

“…Measuring a patient’s level of self-care using an assessment instrument represents, for the clinician, the first step to identifying educational gaps and factors hindering the engagement process ( 82 ). Healthcare providers play an important role in fostering autonomy using educational strategies that take into consideration developmental stages and family support ( 83 – 85 ). Educational interventions have resulted in improvements in health outcomes, knowledge related to the chronic condition, quality of life, attendance at school, participation in social activities, and a decrease in health service interactions ( 86 – 88 ).…”

Therapeutic Nursing Education in Promoting Self-Management of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Integrative Literature Review

“…The literature has more recently presented therapeutic education programs to contribute to self-management of chronic conditions, in a holistic way, involving not only treatments and therapy, but also the social and psycho-affective needs of individuals and families [ 9 , 21 ].…”

“…About self-management of chronic disease, particularly in DM1, the benefits that may arise for adolescents from therapeutic education interventions on the part of nurses are: a decrease in hospitalizations and future complications, an increase in adherence to the therapeutic regime, an improvement in quality of life and a contribution to the biopsychosocial well-being [ 9 ].…”

“…With the growing development of knowledge about child health as well as current technological advances, we are witnessing an increase in the average life expectancy and the emergence of resources that contribute to adolescents’ autonomy, which was less likely a few decades ago [ 9 ].…”

“…In addition, adolescence is defined as a biological process, with the promotion of cognitive development and, consequently, the structuring of the personality [ 7 ], and living adolescence with DM1 is a complex process, since this disease requires, for part of the individual, the execution of important tasks for the development of autonomy and independence. This phase of life is characterized by a period of great change, which requires an increased commitment in matters of adaptation to the chronic disease, requiring a differentiated intervention by the health teams [ 8 , 9 ].…”