Analyzing asthma education and clinical practices to optimize parental health literacy: Gap analysis

Abstract

Pediatric patients in northern BC have some of the highest asthma prevalence rates compared to children in other areas of the province. Adequate parental health literacy skills are particularly important to make informed health management choices when caring for children with asthma. In this project, a gap analysis process was followed, and three evidence-informed practice gaps related to pediatric asthma care were identified. Findings highlight the need for increased asthma education and parental health literacy resources to address concerns mentioned during stakeholder engagement. Four key recommendations were formulated regarding parental health literacy assessments, clear language requirements for written asthma materials, access to specialized care resources, and adaptation of current asthma education models. In conclusion, the development of a working group that includes asthma and health literacy stakeholders, is the next step to address the findings of this project and improve the overall asthma health outcomes for children in northern BC.