Evaluation of a School-Based Asthma Education Protocol: Iggy and the Inhalers. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mickel, Catherine F.; Shanovich, Kathleen K.; Evans, Michael D.; Jackson, Daniel J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of school nursing. Volume 33:Number 3(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: asthma -- chronic diseases -- health education -- elementary -- collaboration/multidisciplinary teams -- school nursing; School health services -- Periodicals; School nursing -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/1059840516659912
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-8405

Abstract

School-based asthma education offers an opportunity to reach low-income children at risk for poor asthma control. Iggy and the Inhalers (Iggy) is an asthma education program that was implemented in a Midwest metropolitan school district. The purpose of this evaluation was to conduct a comprehensive program evaluation. Objectives included increasing children's asthma-related knowledge and families' awareness of asthma management, while cultivating collaboration between school nurses and asthma providers. A total of 173 students participated in Iggy education, with 147 completing both initial and 1-month posttests. Thirty-one parents and seven school nurses provided qualitative feedback. Iggy was well received by children, parents, and school nurses. Asthma knowledge increased significantly ( p < .001) between pretest and posttest, and this increase was retained at 1-month follow-up. This program evaluation suggests that our program had a significant, sustained impact on students' asthma knowledge. It also supports the value of collaboration between asthma providers and school nurses.