Background The GRADE approach takes into account the variability that may exist in patients’ values and preferences when formulating recommendations. Nevertheless, in the updating process of the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for children with asthma no related information could be found in the literature.

Objectives To obtain information about the values and preferences of caregivers of children with asthma to be considered when formulating recommendations.

Methods A focus group was designed to explore caregivers’ perceptions and opinions about some of the issues addressed in the CPG. Twelve possible participants were identified by paediatricians and specialists involved in the development of the GPC, and finally 9 mothers of children with asthma were convened. Twenty-two questions were defined by the research team. The focus group, previous consent recorded, was transcribed and analysed. Triangulation was made by two of the researchers for all the analysis.

Results The information obtained was taken into account in 11 of the 16 clinical questions. The most relevant information obtained was related to the relevance of self-management and the importance of having good information, for caregivers and children, to manage the disease. The concern about what happened when caregivers were not with the children, for example at school, was also identified.

Discussion The focus group helped to obtain information about patients’ values and preferences to be considered when formulating recommendations.

Implications for Guideline Developers/Users Focus groups specifically designed to obtain information about patients’ opinions in relation to particular clinical questions provides valuable context-dependent information to take into account when formulating recommendations.