Lucie – Jane Whelan Hughes and Dave Edwards
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Project Background:
Respiratory conditions in children represent a burden for the child, the family and the healthcare system. Approximately 21% of the pupils in Primary Schools in Pembrokeshire will have asthma, which is in the region of 900 to 1000 pupils. Educating these pupils, their parents, and the staff about all aspects of asthma is likely to better equip them to manage their condition in both the short and longer term, leading to improved health outcomes, a reduction in emergency GP appointments for acute exacerbations, reduction in emergency admission and overnight hospital stays and a reduced risk of premature death. It will also lead to increased school attendance and participation in physical activity.
Repeated reports and audits recommend changes and improvements to how we manage these conditions.
Project Aims:
Improve the management of respiratory conditions in primary school children.
Project Outcomes:
Project Impact:
The findings at the initial consultation showed a general lack of understanding of the condition, poor preventer adherence and poor inhaler technique.
After the second consultation:
- Over 60% of pupils reported a clinically important difference in their symptom control
- Over 60% of patients had their treatment changed in line with the All-Wales Guidelines.
- Every pupil was given a written worsening symptom management plan. The school was also issued a copy of this plan.
- 7 pupils were referred to secondary care
The quantitative outcomes (Childhood Asthma Control Test scores, adherence, inhaler technique, treatment according to guidelines, percentage of Dry Powder Inhalers prescribed, number of patients with an asthma action plan) all showed improvements after the interventions.
The qualitative outcomes (parental feedback, school feedback) were positive. The parents reported a greater understanding of the condition, the action and use on inhalers and how to manage worsening symptoms. The schools reported an increased awareness of worsening symptoms and have seen an improvement in attendance in some pupils.
