Abstract
The objective of this research is to explore; (1) how adolescents with asthma perceive roles held by themselves, physicians and nurses in collaboration with health professionals; and (2) what factors they recognize as important in such collaboration. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 adolescents aged between 13 and 18, who suffer from asthma and have a checkup in an outpatient department regularly. The results of these interviews were examined using content analysis. The result shows that those in adolescents recognized the following as their role; "reporting to physicians"; "complying with instructions with regard to treatment"; and "adjustment of their life-style". They recognized the physicians' role as follows; "finding a treatment suitable for them"; and "giving advice on how to treat the illness". With regard to nurses' role, "watching with care"; "acting as a secondary support"; and "protecting them from pain" were raised, whilst some "do not recognize nurses as a member in collaboration". As to what is important in collaboration with health professionals, they recognized the following; "feeling the support from health professionals"; "a will to cure the illness"; "understanding and agreeing in their treatment"; "a will to be independent"; "mutual trust"; "a sense of responsibility"; and "communicating each other". The research shows that those in adolescence want to actively participate in planning and management of their treatment, and it indicates the importance in setting the treatment goal set empathizing with their perspectives and empowering the implementation of individual roles played by health professionals.
