Developing a school asthma policy.
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.
McGhan
Shawna L
SL
Faculty of Nursing, Alberta Asthma Center, University of Alberta, Box 4033, 11402 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6K2, Canada. smcghan@ualberta.ca
Reutter
Linda I
LI
Hessel
Patrick A
PA
Melvin
Darrel
D
Wilson
Douglas R
DR
D000416:Alberta; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D006291:Health Policy; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010934:Planning Techniques; D016730:Program Development; D012572:School Health Services