Taking the Asthma Message to Schools

1
Taking the Asthma Message to Schools

• Sandra Hamilton
• Schools Coordinator
• Asthma Canterbury

2
Why Schools?

• 14 children have asthma in N.Z.
• Poor level of asthma control1
• Affects of asthma at school2
• Schools provide a captured audience

1 Asher I., Byrnes C. Trying to Catch Our Breath
2006 2 Holt S., Beasley R. The Burden of Asthma,
2001
3
Goal

• To ensure schools are safe and supportive places
  for students with asthma

4
Characteristics of a Successful School Asthma
Programme

• Target students most affected
• Link school and health professionals
• Use multi-component interventions
• Establish support systems
• Safe and healthy school environment
• Evaluation

5
Other Organisations Working in Schools

• Use of different models
• Highlight the benefits
• Engage schools
• Resources/programme features
• Programme focus

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What Did Primary Schools Think About Asthma?

• Asthma important but not a priority
• Focus of programme staff and student education
• Preferred mode of delivery classroom based
• Barrier for education time
• Other suggested features

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Plan for Primary Schools
Asthma Friendly Schools
Other Organisations
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Staff Asthma Education

• One hour session at staff meetings
• Common questions and concerns
• Development of resources for staff

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Student Asthma Awareness Stop, Take, Tell

• Review of Stop, Take, Tell
• Patch our friendly scarecrow

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Accessing This Service

• Direct referral to Asthma Canterbury via phone /
  fax / e-mail
• Contact
• Sandra Hamilton
• Schools Coordinator
• Ph 366 5235
• sandra_at_asthmacanty.org.nz