Primary School Nurses' Knowledge/Competence Pertaining to Childhood Asthma and Its Management Prior to and Following a National Asthma Education Program in Taiwan

The main purpose of the National Asthma Education Program was to provide asthma education to school nurses in Taiwan. It was also designed to enhance the knowledge and competence of school nurses in managing the asthmatic problems that children experience while in school. In addition to providing instruction about current asthma management skills, tools, and other relevant information, the program demonstrated the use of the peak flow meter for asthmatic children. A single, 4-hr session conducted in each county and city in Taiwan, the National Asthma Education Program began on August 1, 1999, and ended December 31, 2000. A total of 829 school nurses joined the program, with an overall attendance rate of 74%. Significant effects of this program on nurses' asthma care knowledge and competence and case management efficacy were noted. The participating school nurses' demographics, however, were found to be irrelevant to these effects. Expecting the training activities to help relieve the anxieties of managing asthmatic cases in the school environment, participants reported that the training was of much benefit to them. Development of a teaching program to elevate school nurses' capabilities in asthmatic student care in the school environment and the implications of such a program within Taiwanese schools were also discussed.