An Allergy and Asthma Educational Outreach Program for School Nurses and Staff

Abstract

We conducted an educational outreach program for school nurses and staff based on survey findings from 73 schools in Indianapolis. The survey revealed the following main concerns school nurses had regarding the care of children with allergies and asthma: 1) lack of information (73%), 2) medication usage (73%), and 3) recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis (34%). Only seven (19%) of the responding schools had an allergy and asthma program. Less than half of the schools had policies dealing with anaphylaxis, and none was equipped with epinephrine. Only 62% of the nurses were willing to administer epinephrine in the event of an anaphylactic emergency. During the ensuing year we conducted four workshops and presented a seminar at the Indiana Health Conference for School Nurses, which used the booklet, Managing Allergies and Asthma at School—Tips for Schoolteachers and Staff, as the primary educational tool. A 1-year follow-up survey revealed the number of schools that implemented an allergy and asthma program increased to 15, whereas school policies and practices dealing with anaphylaxis remained unchanged. The booklet was well received as an educational resource. Major efforts are needed to ensure optimal care of allergies and asthma in the school setting.