In the United States, asthma is the most frequent chronic illness among young people. For a study, researchers examined pediatric asthma education and offered evidence-based suggestions for lowering the asthma burden on health care. There was strong evidence that peer-to-peer programs in schools were particularly beneficial in supplementing school nurses’ support. The researchers discuss their experiences with medical students in an educational program. The post-exacerbation phase in the hospital was considered to be an important educational opportunity for both children and parents. Home education should be limited to the most badly afflicted children. They felt that the most compelling evidence favors a multidisciplinary approach in both school and hospital settings.
The burden of asthma was highest among the lowest socioeconomic groups, which should be reflected in resource allocation and asthma education; there was no indication that the group was being explicitly addressed. Telemedicine can enable tailored but automated instruction, such as treatment programs and self-monitoring of lung function. With a track record of efficacy in lowering asthma symptoms and increasing quality of life, it provided a way to reach previously unreachable groups. Future study should compare different types of schooling directly. The approach will aid in justifying funding decisions in this critical field of preventive medicine.
Reference:journals.lww.com/clinpulm/Abstract/2014/11000/Methods_and_Benefits_of_Education_in_Pediatric.5.aspx
