Distress in children with learning disabilities at a respite unit: perspective on their experiences

Numerous studies have investigated the benefits of respite to families with a disabled child. Far fewer have examined the effects on the child and none have systematically compared information about this from different sources. Reports of behavioural reactions and views on distress were gathered from parents, teachers and respite staff. Children were also asked for their views. Over half the children (54%) were reported to show medium or strong negative reactions lasting for 1 or more days by a parent or teacher. Reported reactions varied widely between home and school and no concordance was found between parents, teachers and respite staff groups regarding distress. Some children's views differed from those of their parent or teacher. The findings highlight the extent of differences in perspectives and suggest the need for greater awareness of the possible distress to children attending respite. This is discussed in relation to factors such as the potential conflict of interests between parents and children, communication and behavioural difficulties, and the context in which the child is observed.

Temperature measurement in children with cancer: an evaluation

There is little agreement as to the most appropriate thermometer, the anatomical site to carry out temperature measurement in children with cancer, or the type of thermometer preferred by the patients. The authors carried out this study to assess temperature measurement in children with cancer who were admitted for febrile episodes. The body temperatures of children with cancer who were admitted consecutively between January and October 2005 to the paediatric department because of febrile episodes were measured on admission and over the next 24–36 hours using an electronic thermometer sublingually as the standard reference site. These measurements were compared with those obtained with two ear-based thermometers, a forehead thermometer, and from the axilla (representing current practice). The parents were asked about the type of thermometer they used at home and the children were asked about the type of thermometer they preferred. There were 34 admissions during this period, of which 19 (56%) were confirmed as febrile. Altogether, 108 sets of temperature measurements were obtained, producing a total of 540 measurements from these admissions. Measurements with the two ear-based thermometers in febrile children achieved higher sensitivity than that with axillary and the forehead measurements. The ear-based thermometer was the most common type used at home while the forehead thermometer was the one preferred by the children. In conclusion, ear-based temperature measurements in febrile children were more accurate than axillary and forehead temperature measurements. The current practice of axillary temperature measurement needs to be re-considered.