title: Implications for Advanced Practice Nurses When Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) Is Suspected: A Qualitative Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) is a relatively new but controversial diagnosis affecting hundreds of children and their families. It is generally thought to be an autoimmune disorder resulting from a streptococcal infection that causes significant and bizarre behavioral changes in children. Currently no definitive diagnostic or treatment modalities exist, which has led to misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, and delayed care.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study was conducted that included 60 families with at least one child diagnosed with PANDAS. The purpose was to explore how families experience the disorder and what nurses can do to provide effective care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using paradigmatic analysis of transcribed interviews, three themes were identified: fear, frustration, and not being heard.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results from this study suggest that more information is needed to better understand this challenging phenomenon from both medical and nursing perspectives. The study also reaffirms the importance of practicing the art of nursing, especially when the science is not yet established.
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McClelland
authors.forename: Mary-Margaret
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Crombez
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Crombez
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wenz
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lisius
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mattia
authors.forename: Suzana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marku
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015551:Autoimmunity; D002648:Child; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*
keywords: PANDAS; autoimmune disorders; families; nursing care; qualitative research