Implementation of a Pictorial Asthma Action Plan (PAAP) in a Special Population

Abstract

Asthma action plans should be standard practice amongst asthmatics. According to a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a lack of AAP implementations could lead to increased asthma-related hospitalizations. Many written AAPs are written at a seventh to ninth grade reading level leading to less control of asthma symptoms, potentially resulting in increased asthma-related hospitalizations. A pictorial-based curriculum and its benefits will be discussed, along with background information concerning the implementation of such intervention and desired goal to increase asthma control. Implementation of a Pictorial Asthma Action Plan and Curriculum to improve Asthma Control utilizing <i>“Iggy and the Inhalers''</i> by Booster Shot Media was conducted in a predominantly Spanish speaking and low income-based population. Iggy and the inhalers have published results of implementing their Pictorial Asthma Action Plan and Curriculum and improved outcomes documented on their site. The objective of implementation was to determine whether incorporating a pictorial based approach would improve control and knowledge amongst students with asthma in a special population. All identifiable participant information was kept private per site guidelines with exception to age and grade range and demographic information. Sixteen children participated in the implementation. Nine participants scored in the "well controlled" category while seven participants were "not controlled" according to ACT guidelines. Overall, five of seven (71%) improved their asthma control enough to bring them into the "controlled" state according to the ACT. Of those who improved, 16 (81%) improved with the Asthma Knowledge test. <i>Conclusion:</i> By utilizing appropriate educational methods, you can also increase participation and engagement, which results in increased compliance and control. Control and knowledge of asthma were improved because of this implementation project. Recommendation is that a PAAP curriculum should be promoted system wide.