Implementing the My Positive Health dialogue tool for children with a chronic condition: barriers and facilitators

Publication date

2025-03-05

Authors

de Jong-Witjes, S
van der Sprenkel, Emma E BerkelbachORCID 0000-0003-3284-6521
Kars, Marijke CORCID 0000-0001-5680-4559ISNI 0000000389716592
Huber, M
Nijhof, Sanne L.ORCID 0000-0003-1538-5014ISNI 0000000419446029
Nuboer, R
Broekhuijsen-van Henten, D M
Lasham, C A
van Mil, E G A H
van de Putte, Elise M.ISNI 0000000388425371

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Document Type

Article

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cc_by

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The My Positive Health (MPH) dialogue tool for children was developed to aid children and teenagers in reflecting and communicating about their health from a broader perspective. This study investigates facilitators and barriers to implementation in pediatric care and assesses experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and children regarding effectiveness. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study involving six Dutch pediatric outpatient clinics. Quantitative data on facilitators and barriers were obtained from 18 out of 20 participating HCPs (pediatricians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) using the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations. Additionally, qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 17 HCPs and 30 children (8-18 years old) with chronic conditions. RESULTS: Facilitators identified in both user and innovation domains included improved patient understanding and the tool's simplicity, while barriers involved organizational constraints and integration issues, for example limited resources and lack of organizational support. Participating HCPs highlighted the tool's role in fostering person-centered conversations, especially for children with chronic conditions. Children positively viewed the tool, noting its ability to enable deeper, personalized interactions with HCPs. CONCLUSION: This study on the implementation of the MPH dialogue tool for children in pediatric care highlights its user-friendliness and relevance, alongside challenges like organizational constraints. Beneficial for person-centered care and children's active participation, the tool enhanced healthcare dialogues and empowered children in their health journey. However, HCPs faced integration challenges within existing practices. Addressing these barriers and providing organizational support are vital for effectively implementing the MPH dialogue tool and optimizing pediatric patient engagement and care quality.

Keywords

Adolescent, Attitude of Health Personnel, Child, Chronic Disease/therapy, Communication, Female, Humans, Male, Netherlands, Patient Participation, Patient-Centered Care, Qualitative Research, Journal Article

Citation

de Jong-Witjes, S, Berkelbach van der Sprenkel, E E, Kars, M C, Huber, M, Nijhof, S L, Nuboer, R, Broekhuijsen-van Henten, D M, Lasham, C A, van Mil, E G A H & van de Putte, E M 2025, 'Implementing the My Positive Health dialogue tool for children with a chronic condition : barriers and facilitators', BMC Pediatrics, vol. 25, no. 1, 168. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-05258-0