ASTHMA MANAGEMENT IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses of childhood, affecting 6.8 million children in the US, and being a major cause of school absenteeism (American Lung Association, 2014). The total number of school days missed because of asthma related issues has increased to 13.8 million days in 2013 as compared to 12.4 million in 2003 (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015). If asthma is not managed in children at school it can reduce academic performance rates. Because of the need for asthma to be controlled in the school setting to decrease absenteeism and promote the health and academic success of children diagnosed with asthma, it is important for school nurses to coordinate an effective asthma management program for children diagnosed with asthma. A program evaluation was conducted to assess the asthma management program in place at an elementary school in eastern North Carolina compared to best practices for management of asthma in schools. Data collected from key informants revealed that school staff is well educated on policies and procedures to manage students’ asthma, but some students still have unmanaged asthma. Data was collected through observation and participation in the school nurse’s role. Policies on medication administration were read and data was gathered about asthma medications, action plans, and adherence. When compared to best practices, the school’s asthma management program was determined effective. Recommendations included continued education towards students and their caregivers, which can be done by calling home and educating caregivers when they come into the health office to drop off medications.