Primary School Nurses' Knowledge/Competence Pertaining to Childhood Asthma and Its Management Prior to and Following a National Asthma Education Program in Taiwan

Abstract

The main purpose of the National Asthma Education Program was to provide asthma education to school nurses in Taiwan. It was also designed to enhance the knowledge and competence of school nurses in managing the asthmatic problems that children experience while in school. In addition to providing instruction about current asthma management skills, tools, and other relevant information, the program demonstrated the use of the peak flow meter for asthmatic children. A single, 4-hr session conducted in each county and city in Taiwan, the National Asthma Education Program began on August 1, 1999, and ended December 31, 2000. A total of 829 school nurses joined the program, with an overall attendance rate of 74%. Significant effects of this program on nurses' asthma care knowledge and competence and case management efficacy were noted. The participating school nurses' demographics, however, were found to be irrelevant to these effects. Expecting the training activities to help relieve the anxieties of managing asthmatic cases in the school environment, participants reported that the training was of much benefit to them. Development of a teaching program to elevate school nurses' capabilities in asthmatic student care in the school environment and the implications of such a program within Taiwanese schools were also discussed.

Can asthma education improve the treatment of acute asthma exacerbation in young children?

“…Of the studies included for review, two were randomised controlled trials 28–30 and the remaining were uncontrolled pre‐ and post‐interventional studies 24,31–37 . Six studies involved the education of teachers, 24,28–30,34–36 two focused on nursing staff, 33,37 one included all non‐medical school staff, 37 with only two involving pre‐school staff 31,32 . The education interventions varied in length, the shortest being 30–40 min 30 and the longest being 4 h 33 .…”

“…Six studies involved the education of teachers, 24,28–30,34–36 two focused on nursing staff, 33,37 one included all non‐medical school staff, 37 with only two involving pre‐school staff 31,32 . The education interventions varied in length, the shortest being 30–40 min 30 and the longest being 4 h 33 . Two studies did not specify the length of education session 24,31 .…”

“…Two studies provided nurse‐led education sessions, 24,28,29 a further two studies utilised an asthma educator 32,35 and one study each used a master level health educator 31 and a pharmacist 30 . Three studies did not specify who provided education 33,34,37 . The majority of the studies included a practical demonstration of administering a MDI in combination with a valved spacer 29,31–33,35,36 and one study included demonstration of albuterol use with a nebuliser 24 .…”

“…Three studies did not specify who provided education 33,34,37 . The majority of the studies included a practical demonstration of administering a MDI in combination with a valved spacer 29,31–33,35,36 and one study included demonstration of albuterol use with a nebuliser 24 . Bronchodilator MDIs or peak flow meters and valved spacers were provided for schools to keep in three studies 29,34,36 …”

Increasing the hospitalization of asthma in children not in adults – from a national survey in Taiwan 1996–2002

“…It includes asthma knowledge, treatment medication and inhalation techniques, and peak flow meter monitoring, etc. The majority of participants increase their knowledge and efficacy on asthma care after this program (21). Asthma education should be continued and extended to other healthcare providers.…”