Managing long term childhood conditions

The course is divided into six comprehensive units, each addressing a critical aspect of managing long-term childhood conditions:

Unit 1: Introduction
This unit introduces the growing prevalence of chronic conditions in children, with an emphasis on the epidemiological shift from infectious diseases to long-term illnesses. Participants will explore the impact of these conditions on families and healthcare systems, including financial burdens and the need for a collaborative care approach​.

Unit 2: Demographics
In this unit, participants are provided with data and insights into the demographics of childhood chronic conditions. The unit discusses common conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, and Type 1 diabetes, as well as the disparities in health outcomes among different socioeconomic groups. It highlights the importance of understanding these trends for resource planning and service delivery​.

Unit 3: Differentiating Diagnoses
This unit focuses on the importance of differentiating various long-term childhood conditions, considering factors such as timing of diagnosis, illness patterns, and associated specialties. Participants will learn strategies for categorizing conditions to better anticipate family reactions and manage care plans effectively.

Unit 4: GP Management Plans
In this unit, practical frameworks for developing management plans are discussed, with a focus on addressing complex consultations. Key topics include communication strategies, non-compliance, mental health issues, and medico-legal considerations. Participants will also explore the importance of child protection and how to support families emotionally and financially​.

Unit 5: Framework for Consults
This unit introduces the FAMILY mnemonic, a useful framework for guiding consults with children who have long-term conditions. The mnemonic covers family impact, allied health involvement, mental health, investigations, learning, and youth-specific challenges. This approach ensures holistic care by addressing both medical and psychosocial aspects​.

Unit 6: Case Examples
The final unit applies all the learned concepts through detailed case studies involving conditions such as asthma, ADHD, anxiety, and severe allergies. These real-life examples highlight the practical application of the FAMILY framework and demonstrate how to tailor consultations and treatment plans to meet the individual needs of patients and their families​.

This course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills to manage complex long-term childhood conditions while considering the broader impact on families and communities.