Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng SK(1)(2), Li TY(1), Shek MY(1), Wong JCL(1), Yuen HY(1), Chau JPC(2), Chan AWK(2), Cheng JWCH(1), Sin MH(3), Ma PK(1),Chiu WK(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, United Christian Hospital (2)The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (3)Department of Pharmacy, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Uncontrolled asthma has adverse effects on asthmatic children’s health outcomes and increases the cost of health sectors. A nurse-led asthma education program (N-AEP) web application was designed based on literature review data.
Objectives :
(1) To improve the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of caregivers towards asthma.
(2) To reduce unscheduled visits or readmissions due to asthma in children.
Methodology :
A 2-arm randomised design was adopted. Both parents and children were recruited if child between 4-11 years of age who required emergency hospitalization due to asthma without other chronic lung diseases were invited to participate in this program and studied. Outcomes measured included (1)KAP in parents (2)unscheduled visits (3) readmission rate (4)asthma control (5)anxiety to inhalers and (6)patient satisfaction. Ethical approval was obtained from (The Joint CUHK-NTEC CREC) & (KC/KE. CREC). The intervention group received the program of N-AEP, while the control group received the usual care at the same study period.
Result & Outcome :
103 of 112 eligible participants completed the study at 6 months follow-up. KAP was significantly improved in the intervention group (Cohen's d=1.56). ). Individuals without receiving N-AEP were respectively 2.07 and 2.32 times more likely to have unscheduled doctor visits and be readmitted. A higher proportion of the intervention group achieved higher Childhood Asthma Control Test scores than the control group (p=0.249). Anxiety to inhalers was reduced in the intervention group as compared to control (Cohen's d=0.064). Steroid and inhaler phobia of caregivers were detected during the nurse discussion session. 100% of intervention participants agreed the online games enforced their asthma knowledge. Over 95% of intervention participants were satisfied with this program. Over 85% of participating parents from both groups felt the telephone consultation service could solve their problem and enquiries. Over 95% participating parents from both groups agreed the electronic asthma diary was user friendly. In conclusion, the N-AEP program was effective in improving the KAP of caregivers of asthma children and reduced unscheduled visits and readmissions for asthma. It could be widely used in local acute settings.
