HANDi Paediatrics 4.4.4

HANDi has been meticulously developed by the pediatric team at Musgrove Park Hospital to offer comprehensive support for parents, caregivers, and medical professionals dealing with prevalent childhood illnesses.

The resource addresses the following conditions:

• Diarrhoea (gastroenteritis)
• Chesty child (wheeze and asthma)
• Chesty baby (bronchiolitis)
• High temperature
• Abdominal pain
• Common newborn problems

For parents and caregivers, HANDi provides tailored guidance that includes specific home assessment guidelines, referrals to appropriate local healthcare services, and detailed illness information. Each of the six common childhood illnesses features a Home Care Plan, designed to assist parents and caregivers in delivering optimal care for their child.

Healthcare professionals are also supported through assessment guidelines applicable in both community and hospital settings. These guidelines utilize a traffic light system, directing professionals toward suitable healthcare advice, support, or referrals for each child’s unique needs. This approach aims to ensure that parents and caregivers receive consistent guidance regardless of where or when their child seeks medical attention.

Both parents and healthcare professionals are encouraged to explore the three pathways associated with each of the six most common conditions, promoting cohesive understanding and management strategies.