Asthma self-management in children: a best practice implementation project.

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common diseases in children. A self-management program can effectively improve the outcomes for children with asthma and reduce the burden on healthcare services. The aim of this project was to integrate the best evidence on asthma self-management with practice in a children's respiratory clinic and to improve compliance with best practice. Seven audit criteria were developed for the pre- and post-audit based on the best available evidence. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit and feedback tools were used in this project. The baseline audit showed a gap between clinical practice and the best evidence. The only criterion that achieved high compliance was provision of inhaler guidance (100%). After implementation, there were substantial improvements in compliance for many criteria. Training of clinicians increased from 13% at baseline to 67% at follow-up. Education of parents improved, with specific education about asthma triggers increasing from 55% to 100%, education about warning signs from 30% to 85% and education about effective asthma treatment options from 40% to 85%. Use of written asthma action plans increased from 0% to 25%. Strategies developed in this project were effective at providing necessary information for parents and improved the compliance with evidence. Further implementation strategies and audits are still needed to improve the use of asthma action plans and ensure they are reviewed periodically.