6.10
GUIDELINE
SUBJECT:
ASTHMA EDUCATION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES in JHCH.
DOCUMENT NUMBER:
6.10
DATE DEVELOPED:
June 2004
LAST REVISED DATE:
November 2011
PLANNED REVIEW DATE:
November 2015
DISTRIBUTION:
JHCH
PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING AND REVIEW:
Paediatric Respiratory CNC
COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR RATIFICATION AND REVIEW:
Kaleidoscope GN Quality Committee
Disclaimer:
It should be noted that this document reflects what is currently regarded as a safe and appropriate approach
to care. However, as in any clinical situation there may be factors that cannot be covered by a single set of
guidelines, this document should be used as a guide, rather than as a complete authorative statement of
procedures to be followed in respect of each individual presentation. It does not replace the need for the
application of clinical judgment to each individual presentation.
SAFE WORK PRACTICE
Asthma Education of Children and Families
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Approved on: 29 November, 2011
Page 1 of 5
OUTCOMES:
To ensure that asthma education and information is systematically provided to all patients
(and families) admitted to the John Hunter Children’s Hospital with asthma. The self –
management education will assist patients and families with the home and emergency
management of this disease.
PROCEDURE:
1. The Asthma Education Checklist is attached to the bed chart of each patient
admitted with Asthma at the time of admission to the ward.
2. The Asthma Education Check list is also used during education sessions in the
Outpatient Clinics. The checklist should be used by nursing staff and the asthma
educator to ensure all information and self management education requirements for
patients and families are met.
3. The checklist does not form part of the medical record. Completed checklists shall
be returned to the Respiratory CNC at the time the patient is discharged or at the
end of each clinic. These will be entered into the Asthma Education database.
4. Asthma resource kit and the Quit pack (if required) are to be given to all children
(and their families) admitted with asthma or attending the outpatient clinic for
asthma management.
5. The nurse allocated to the care of a child admitted with asthma is to organise the
child and / or family to watch the education DVD.
6. The nurse allocated to the care of a child on the first day of admission with asthma
is to notify the Respiratory CNC (week days only).
7. If Respiratory CNC is unavailable for patient education, the patient is to be booked
into the asthma clinic in paediatric outpatient department.
8. When out of business hours the patient is to be given a clinic information flyer and
asked to book their appointment.
9. If an appointment cannot be made by staff or parent / patient a referral is to be
made to Respiratory CNC to follow up.
10. Time is set aside by the Asthma educator, primary nurse or Respiratory CNC to
meet with the child and the family to educate and reinforce self – management of
asthma including review of spacer technique.
11. All asthma patients and families must be given an asthma action plan, treatment
after going home plan and discharge summary prior to discharge.
Asthma Education of Children and Families
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Approved on: 29 November, 2011
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12. The asthma action plan and treatment ‘after-going- home plan’ must be discussed
with the patient and family as part prior to discharge.
13. All patients are encouraged to see their local General Practitioner following an
acute admission to hospital with asthma.
REFERENCES:
The Asthma Management Handbook, National Asthma Council of Australia, 2006
AUTHOR:
Bernadette Goddard – CNC Paediatric Respiratory/Asthma
CONSULTATION:
JHCH Respiratory team
Cathy Grahame – JHCH Ambulatory Care NUM
APPROVED:
CPGAG – 28th November, 2011
KGN Quality Committee – 29th November, 2011
Asthma Education of Children and Families
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Approved on: 29 November, 2011
Page 3 of 5
Appendix 1 – Asthma Checklist
John Hunter Children’s Hospital
Asthma Education Checklist
Yes

Reading material provided

Watched Asthma video

Chart of Airways discussed and the effects of
asthma on them

Given guidelines on how to detect subsequent
asthma attacks and when to seek medical help

Discussed myths about asthma

Discussed exercise-induced asthma

Explain preventer and reliever medications –
discuss side effects (symptom controllers if
applicable)

Explain what steroids do – discuss side effects
(how to reduce risk)

Demonstrate use of devices – specify

Assessment of use of devices – specify

Explanation of Asthma Action Plan (prior to
discharge) – check understanding

Answer any questions
Asthma Education of Children and Families
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Approved on: 29 November, 2011
No
N/A
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John Hunter Children’s Hospital

Topics families should know after your education session is completed and sound
knowledge of these should enable a high standard of care at home.

Please discuss and encourage our families to answer in their own words. Give further
information if necessary.
Good
Knowledge

When should you use reliever medication?

What are the names of the reliever drugs your child will be using?

When should you use preventer medication?

What are the names of the preventer drugs your child will be
using?

Does your child cough at night – what does this mean?

What are the early indications of an asthma attack – what will you
do?

When should you seek medical help if your child is having an
asthma attack?

What is the major goal of asthma treatment?
Asthma Education of Children and Families
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Approved on: 29 November, 2011
Yes/No
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