Asthma knowledge, roles, functions, and educational needs of school nurses

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Public Health
• Asthma Management

Background:

• Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease in children.
• School nurses play a critical role in managing students' health, including asthma.
• Effective asthma management in schools requires adequate knowledge, resources, and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess school nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding childhood asthma.
• To identify challenges school nurses face in managing students with asthma.
• To provide recommendations for improving asthma care in the school setting.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted in October 1997 among school nurses in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
• 790 school nurses were invited to participate, with 550 (70%) completing the survey.
• The survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about asthma, as well as perceived barriers to care.

Main Results:

• School nurses demonstrated a generally appropriate level of knowledge about asthma, with common myths largely dispelled.
• Nurses reported time constraints due to varied responsibilities, limiting proactive health education and support for students with asthma.
• Concerns were raised regarding medication administration delegation criteria and follow-up procedures.
• A significant lack of communication between school nurses and parents regarding students' asthma was identified.

Conclusions:

• While school nurses possess adequate asthma knowledge, their capacity for proactive care is hindered by time limitations and competing responsibilities.
• Enhanced communication channels between school nurses and families are crucial for fostering partnerships and improving asthma outcomes.
• Updating school policies and procedures is essential to better address the needs of students with asthma.