A Critique of 19 Self-Management Programs for Childhood Asthma: Part II. Comments Regarding the Scientific Merit of the Programs

The scientific merit of 19 educational and self-management programs for childhood asthma was assessed by comparing each program against 12 criteria. These established criteria have evolved over several decades of research with respect both to asthma and to the relationship of the disorder to behavioral and psychological factors. The results of the comparison indicated a majority of the 19 programs failed to satisfy a number of specific criteria ranging from failure to confirm the diagnosis of asthma to failure to apply acceptable standards for evaluating treatment effects. It was noted, however, that four programs satisfied at least 6 of the 12 criteria, and that five programs satisfied from 9 to 12 of the criteria. These studies, it was concluded, provide models for future research.