Background: In 2008/9 asthma admissions in children in the London Borough of Ealing were the 8th highest in England. An informal scoping exercise revealed poor knowledge of asthma and sub-optimal use of action plans which may contribute to poor asthma outcomes. Aim: To assess the impact of a school and home based intervention on improving asthma management and reducing admissions in children under 19y. Methods: 62 out of 82 schools participated in a pilot project. 210 families and around 2000 children were taught in groups or individually about asthma and how to manage it effectively. Children with asthma related school absence or symptoms at school were identified for home visits by an Asthma Nurse to assess asthma management. The same children received advice, educational resources and an action plan (www.asthma.org.uk). Improvements in confidence to manage asthma and quality of care were measured post intervention. Admissions data was obtained through the Child and Maternal Health Intelligence Network (CHIMAT). Results: Emergency admissions in children under 19 fell by 40% from 440 to 266 per 100,000 population between 2010/11 and 2011/12. 97% of parents reported improved confidence in managing their child's asthma. 95% of doctors and nurses who attended training reported improved confidence in managing asthma and conducting asthma review. Conclusion: An integrated approach to asthma care which focuses on the importance of education and action plans can improve asthma management and reduce admissions.
Waddell et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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