Speak Up For Asthma (SUFA) Program for school children in London Lead London Strategic Clinical network for Children and Young People Partners: Charity Asthma UK University College London Medical School The Royal Free NHS London Foundation Trust Background There are three children with asthma in every classroom in English secondary schools. Asthma UK charity data show that more than 75% of hospital visits are preventable by better recognition of symptoms and early management. Secondary school children in Denmark have demonstrated improved outcomes after being taught basic resuscitation for cardiac arrest. This project set up a sustainable university-based project aimed at improving asthma awareness school children Action A paediatric Consultant trained medical students in asthma recognition and paediatric management to complement Asthma - Speak Up For UK’s lay person advocacy programme Asthma (SUFA). The medical students delivered an interactive presentation to schoolchildren aged 8-14 years. The effectiveness of the programme was measured by comparing results of an asthma awareness test before and after interactive presentation. Outcomes 600+ children have gone through awareness training in schools 38% increase in pre and post-presentation test scores. Maximum increase noted in questions related to inhaler use and emergency procedure. A short term knowledge gain. More studies needed to assess long term application of acquired knowledge. Results of the pilot project were presented at the Paediatric Allergy and Asthma Meeting in Athens in October 2013. Gained permission to extend campaign to another 1000 children due to excellent feedback on pilot from children, school nurses and teachers.
Speak Up For Asthma (SUFA) Program for school children in London Lead London Strategic Clinical network for Children and Young People Partners: Charity Asthma UK University College London Medical School The Royal Free NHS London Foundation Trust Background There are three children with asthma in every classroom in English secondary schools. Asthma UK charity data show that more than 75% of hospital visits are preventable by better recognition of symptoms and early management. Secondary school children in Denmark have demonstrated improved outcomes after being taught basic resuscitation for cardiac arrest. This project set up a sustainable university-based project aimed at improving asthma awareness school children Action A paediatric Consultant trained medical students in asthma recognition and paediatric management to complement Asthma UK’s lay person advocacy programme - Speak Up For Asthma (SUFA). The medical students delivered an interactive presentation to schoolchildren aged 8-14 years. The effectiveness of the programme was measured by comparing results of an asthma awareness test before and after interactive presentation. Outcomes 600+ children have gone through awareness training in schools 38% increase in pre and post-presentation test scores. Maximum increase noted in questions related to inhaler use and emergency procedure. A short term knowledge gain. More studies needed to assess long term application of acquired knowledge. Results of the pilot project were presented at the Paediatric Allergy and Asthma Meeting in Athens in October 2013. Gained permission to extend campaign to another 1000 children due to excellent feedback on pilot from children, school nurses and teachers.
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