Asthma policy in Illinois: A survey of school nursing and staff knowledge and implementation patterns

Abstract

ObjectiveOur goal is to examine gaps in self‐carry, asthma emergency protocol, and stock inhaler policy knowledge in Illinois schools.DesignA 30‐item REDCap cross‐sectional survey developed by a team of stakeholders was disseminated. Questions assessed policy knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding asthma emergency protocols, self‐carry, and stock inhalers.SampleParticipants were Illinois school nurses belonging to a governmental organization listserv.MeasurementsAnalysis utilized Chi‐square tests, descriptive statistics, and t‐tests.ResultsNurses reported 36% of students on average self‐carried asthma medication. Thirty percent of nurses were not aware of their emergency asthma policy and only 60% reported having an emergency asthma protocol in their school(s). Fifty‐four percent of nurses were aware of stock inhaler programming. Of the 10.3% who reported a stock inhaler program, a lower frequency reported calling 911 for asthma emergencies. Perceived school asthma prevalence varied from 0%–87%.ConclusionsOur survey demonstrates large variation in knowledge and implementation of school‐based asthma health policy. This is likely due to variations in health policy education dissemination. Future efforts should focus on the dissemination and implementation of school‐based asthma health policies to improve their more universal adoption and better support school‐based asthma management.