Evaluation of a pilot school health education program for asthmatic children

A pilot program was conducted and evaluated as a part of the development of a health education program designed to meet the needs of a specified target population. By focusing on a group of children with a common chronic health problem, it was possible to measure specific variables to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Outcome evaluation together with subjective process information resulted in modification and changes in the program prior to implementation with a larger number of children and schools. The pilot phase conducted with a small number of children was demonstrated to be a critical part of the overall program development.