Implementing asthma education programmes in paediatric respiratory care: settings, timing, people and evaluation

Randomised controlled trials have shown that asthma education programmes in paediatric care can improve the ability of children and their parents to control their asthma. This paper discusses the implementation of asthma education within pragmatic care. Key times for implementation are suggested: at the initial diagnosis, after acute asthma events such as hospitalisation, at the time of medication change and at regular review. Special issues, such as implementing programmes for teenagers, are discussed. Evaluation is recommended for processes (does the practice have an agreed protocol for education, does it have a key person with responsibility for co-ordinating education within the clinic or practice, does it have agreed outcomes for audit of education?). Evaluation is also recommended for individual outcomes (clinical improvement and increase in perceived asthma control and confidence in management).