Creating a Virtual Regional Asthma and Allergy School Nurse Expert Network

Introduction: Asthma & Allergy School Nurse Expert Program (A2) learning collaborative develops champions with specific clinical and policy expertise within local school systems to improve management of asthma among school age children. A2 aims to increase the number of school nurses who are certified asthma educators in each local school system and focuses on improving asthma management through increased: staff, student, and parent education; implementation of supportive policies, procedures, and guidelines; increased school-provider communication; and, use of asthma action plans. Methods: A2 combines virtual web-based and in-person learning and collaboration to engage 20 nurses from 10 school systems to prepare, take and pass the asthma educator's exam, train peer school staff, and work with school system leaders to implement policy, systems and environmental changes. They fill the problem solver/leader/champion role critical to the support of asthma care practices. The “embedded asthma expert approach” creates a sustainable method of keeping each school system up-to-date on managing asthma and prompting ongoing community change. Results: Phase 1 Program evaluation data demonstrates a statistically significant change in intent to take the national asthma educator's exam pre (23%) and post program (92%) and a 100% pass rate. Phase 2 program results are expected to show similar outcomes among program participants as well as improvements in asthma management among school children. Retention and participation are above 50% and a significant regional effort to link emergency care with school nursing is underway as an outcome of the project.