The American Academy of Pediatrics Has New Resources for Asthma Management
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) with funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health (CDC/DASH) has developed, implemented and is currently evaluating the Schooled in Asthma project.
Schooled in Asthma intends to encourage pediatricians to incorporate school health concepts with current asthma treatment guidelines. It also promotes the use of Asthma Management Plans as well as increased communication between school personnel and pediatricians. The program has also encouraged the participation of pediatricians in chapter level projects surrounding school health and asthma issues. Chapter participants include Alabama, Idaho, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
The Schooled in Asthma project has four main goals:
1) Health care providers will routinely assess and manage school-age children with asthma by taking a school-relevant clinical history and by coordinating and collaborating with local school-based personnel;
2) AAP chapters and pediatricians will be active promoters of Coordinated School Health Programs in local schools and districts, with a focus on asthma;
3) AAP, as an organization, will integrate Coordinated School Health Program concepts into educational programs for members, patients, and parents about health care for school-age patients (including but not limited to asthma); and
4) AAP will continue to pursue projects that strengthen coordinated school health, with a focus on asthma management.
In addition, participating pediatricians will design changes to achieve at least the following four goals:
1) History-taking with school-age children with asthma will include school-specific questions for determining severity;
2) Matters related to the management of asthma at school will be discussed at office visits;
3) Arrangements will be made so that schools receive an Asthma Action Plan (consistent with National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines) for school-age patients with asthma; and
4) Action that facilitates communication with schools will be taken (e.g., asking patients/parents for name of current school, contact person at school, signed consent to allow school and doctor to communicate directly).
The AAP has developed various tools and forms to obtain an accurate asthma history based on symptoms both at home and school, facilitate communication between school personnel and pediatricians, and provide the patient, parent, and school information about a child’s medication program, and guidance as to what to do when the child’s asthma worsens. These tools and forms include: A.S.T.H.M.A. Form, Asthma Action Plan, HIPAA/FERPA Authorization Form, Dear Doctor Letter, and Asthma Encounter Form.
For additional information about the Schooled in Asthma project, please contact:
National Headquarters:
The American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
USA
Phone: (847) 434-4000
Fax: (847) 434-8000
Washington, DC Office:
The American Academy of Pediatrics
Department of Federal Affairs
601 13th Street, NW
Suite 400 North
Washington, DC 20005 USA
Phone: (202) 347-8600
Fax: (202) 393-6137
Source: "Schooled in Asthma" website, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2006.