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Review
. 2020 Sep 2;12(3):225-232.
doi: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2019.2019.0153. Epub 2019 Nov 20.

Managing Paediatric Growth Disorders: Integrating Technology Into a Personalised Approach

Jenny Child  1 , Christine Davies  2 , Katie Frost  3 , Eleanor McDermid  4 , Rachel Pidcock  1 , John Weinman  5 , Martin O. Savage  6
Affiliations
Review

Managing Paediatric Growth Disorders: Integrating Technology Into a Personalised Approach

Jenny Child et al. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. .

Erratum in

  • Erratum.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2021 Jun 2;13(2):248. doi: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2021.e001. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2021. PMID: 34082490 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

Abstract

Long-term growth management can be challenging for patients, families and healthcare professionals (HCP). Personalised optimal responses to growth hormone (GH) therapy depend on the creation of a good working relationship between the patient and family and the HCPs responsible for care. Current unmet needs in growth management will be discussed, focusing on the likelihood of a poor growth response and its identification and management with emphasis on the importance of good adherence to GH therapy. Digital tools are now available to record injections and communicate accurate adherence data to the HCP and patient. Psychological barriers to good adherence will be covered, with techniques identified to change behaviour and improve outcome. Motivational interviewing is a valuable skill in this respect and should be taught to both medical and nursing HCPs to enhance the quality of the relationship with the patient and family. Key messages are, firstly, the importance of personalised care with the HCP using acquired psychological skills to prevent and manage poor adherence. Secondly, a human-eHealth partnership is necessary to maximise the benefit of new digital tools to aid in successful growth management.

Keywords: Growth; growth hormone; adherence; motivational interviewing; e-Health.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The COM-B model: A new approach to classifying adherence to diseases (adapted from reference: 18) HCP: healthcare professionals
Figure 2
Figure 2
Results of a patient-directed survey on choice of growth hormone brand and injection device
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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