Knowledge Bank

Children are assuming responsibility for their asthma management at younger ages. It was reported that 20% of 7 year olds, 50% of 11 year olds and 75% of 15 year olds are responsible for their daily controller medication use (Orrell-Valente et al., 2011). Although children have developmental differences due to age, experts suggest they want to be stakeholders in their health care. When children feel a part of the decision-making process they may be more likely to adhere to the management plan. This project evaluated asthma education received from the healthcare provider and identified gaps in their asthma treatment plans to improve self-management. A primary analysis of de-identified data from 16 school-aged children at a West Coast asthma clinic was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of 21 questions. Seventeen items assessed children’s receipt of asthma education and were scored based on how thoroughly the information had been discussed (0= had not been discussed; 1= had been briefly discussed; or 2= had been discussed fully). Higher average scores indicated greater engagement. Statistical analysis revealed a mean=1.47 (SD=0.52), indicating room for improvement in educating adolescents on asthma self-management. Four open-ended questions assessed what children want in their asthma management education and how they want the information delivered. All children expressed a desire to receive text messages with helpful asthma information and reminders either daily or monthly. Additional feedback included a desire for asthma information to be explained at their level, treatment reminders, peak flow meter use instructions and multi-language asthma education tools. These results indicate that important components of asthma self-management were only briefly discussed with children. As healthcare professionals strive to provide patient-centered care and children assume more responsibility for asthma management, it is critical that children be involved in the clinical encounter so tailored asthma education and management plans can be developed, resulting in improved outcomes.