Schoolchildren with chronic diseases; What are teachers worried about?

Abstract

IntroductionAs the number of schoolchildren with chronic diseases is constantly increasing, teachers must be aware of this new reality and of the special needs of these children. However, there is very little information about the knowledge, skills, and concerns of teachers when faced with a possible urgent situation that could occur in a child with a chronic disease. For this reason, this study has been conducted. MethodsAn anonymous questionnaire with simple questions about seizures, diabetes, anaphylaxis, and basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was completed by 244 primary and secondary school teachers. They subsequently participated in short workshops focused on the management of medical emergencies in relation to these conditions. ResultsThe majority (60%) of the teachers had at least one child in their classroom with a chronic disease, with epilepsy being the most frequent. Their main concern was not knowing how to act in a potentially serious situation. As regards hypoglycaemic crises and anaphylaxis, teachers who had at-risk pupils were not sure if they would be able to use the recommended medication, although they knew how to use it. ConclusionsTeachers of the study were concerned about not knowing what to do in an emergency event in a schoolchild with chronic illness. Although some had received information about the medication to be administered, they were not sure if they would be able to do so. The training and self-confidence of teacher should be improved in order to cope with possible critical situations in schoolchildren with chronic diseases.