Impact of an Asthma Education Program During Admission

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Health educational interventions improve health outcomes and quality of life in children with asthma. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an education intervention for an asthma inhaler technique during hospital admission for an asthma exacerbation. METHODS This prospective study was conducted in a pediatric hospitalization unit of a third-level hospital. Children admitted for an asthma exacerbation were eligible for inclusion. It was developed in 2 phases: during hospital admission (T1) and 1 month after discharge (T2). In the T1 phase, caregivers completed the questionnaire to assess asthma control in children (CAN questionnaire) and performed the inhaler technique, which was evaluated with a 6-step checklist. An educational intervention was performed. In the T2 phase, caregivers completed the CAN questionnaire, and the inhaler technique was reevaluated. We hypothesized that the inhaler technique improved after the implementation of an asthma education program. RESULTS A total of 101 children were included, of whom 85 completed the T2 phase (84%). At baseline, 11.8% of participants performed the inhaler technique correctly. All steps of the inhaler technique upgraded in the T2 phase significantly (P < .01), except for the step “assemble the inhaler device correctly.” Former evaluation by a pediatric pneumologist was associated with a higher score in the inhaler technique in the T1 phase. The median CAN questionnaire score in the T1 phase was 8 (interquartile range 4–16), which reduced to 4 (interquartile range 1.2–6) in the T2 phase (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS The development of an educational intervention during admission improved inhaler technique as well as asthma knowledge.

Effect of asthma education on health outcomes in children: a systematic review

“…In the context of COVID-19, being alert and following the treatment guidelines, as well as implementing preventive measures, are of great importance for improving the outcomes among children with asthma 9. Asthma education is one of the preventive measures 10. The participants and the settings of asthma education vary; some sessions may include only children,11 while some include both children and parents/guardians 12.…”

“… 9 Asthma education is one of the preventive measures. 10 The participants and the settings of asthma education vary; some sessions may include only children, 11 while some include both children and parents/guardians. 12 The setting of asthma education also differs.…”