Despite some progress, childhood asthma morbidity and mortality rates remain high, especially among African American children. Guidelines released in 1999 stress the importance of appropriate medication management, and a team approach, to assure optimal control. Nurse practitioners in School-based Health Centers (SBHCs) provide essential primary care to students with asthma, as well as educate students, parents, and teachers about asthma triggers, medications, and symptom control.
This study examined the assessment, treatment, and disposition of students who visited 5 Baltimore City Elementary SBHCs during 1998-1999. Data were collected from health records of students having an acute asthma visit necessitating treatment with rescue medications. The sample included 71 students representing 235 visits. Nearly two-thirds of the visits resolved with one nebulizer treatment. In 85% of the visits, students returned to class. Six students were referred for emergency cares while the remaining were sent home with parents. When absenteeism data were examined in one school, nearly 15% of the students missed any part of a day after treatment. Of greater interest are the 21% of the visits where students were absent the day before suggesting the use of the SBHC for primary care services. If children with asthma are to receive the best care regardless of where they live or their source of medical care, developing the partnership between students, parents, schools, and primary care providers is crucial.
Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Identify the treatment recommendations. 2. Discuss the asthma triggers. 3. Discribe the role of SBHC for asthma management
Keywords: Asthma, School-Based Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.