Premium
Developing a School Asthma Policy
Author(s) -
McGhan Shawna L.,
Reutter Linda I.,
Hessel Patrick A.,
Melvin Darrel,
Wilson Douglas R.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1446.2002.19206.x
Subject(s) - asthma , mandate , medicine , health policy , health education , stakeholder , medical education , business , public health , public relations , nursing , political science , law
Schools are faced with the challenging mandate of addressing the learning needs of students while simultaneously managing a gamut of behavior and health problems. School health policies have been successfully used for many health‐related issues. Although asthma is the most common chronic disease among children, schools receive only a small amount of support to manage asthma issues. This article describes our experiences in developing an asthma policy in schools. The problem of asthma in schools was assessed as part of a comprehensive community‐based asthma intervention, and a plan was established to develop a school asthma policy. The goal of the policy was to facilitate a physical and social environment that enabled students with asthma to control optimally their condition, have a good quality of life, and learn effectively. Specific objectives included enhancing environmental control, educating staff, clarifying medication protocols, and responding appropriately to symptoms. Strategies in developing the policy included strengthening collaboration and networks among health, school, and community sectors; defining the role of the school and health sectors; designing the policy; refining the policy based on stakeholder feedback; and developing an evaluation plan.