Abstract
Introduction:
Improving outcomes for patients with asthma requires well-trained healthcare professionals who combine technical competence with clinical expertise. Professional asthma training programmes must help student's master medical knowledge about asthma, acquire clinical and decision-making skills needed for asthma diagnosis and management, and become effective patient teachers.
Methods:
The NARTC, in collaboration with the AANPF, provided professional asthma education to nurse practitioners from all regions of the USA. Participants were surveyed before and after the course on a variety of clinical practice measures.
Results:
Two hundred and two nurse practitioners enrolled and were sent pre-course questionnaires, 134 (66%) responded. One hundred and fifty-eight (78%) completed the course and were re-surveyed, 107 responded. Seventy-two returned both questionnaires. Analysis of all responses shows very strong evidence (p<0.001) of an increase in mean score for establishing follow-up procedures, and carrying out bronchodilator reversibility testing and exercising testing. There is also very strong evidence (p<0.001) of an increase in identifying poor asthma control, forming structured treatment plans with patients, and providing written self-management plans. There is strong evidence (p<0.01) of an increase in monitoring of peak expiratory flow rate, checking inhaler technique, and improving patient education.
Conclusions:
The pre-course survey indicated active nurse practitioner involvement in asthma care with a concentration on general clinical assessment and education and less focus on structured long-term monitoring. Post-course results indicate a positive effect of the educational intervention on nurse knowledge, attitudes and practice in asthma care.
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Hoskins, G., Smith, B., Neville, R. et al. The Benefits of Specialist Asthma Education for Nurse Practitioners in the USA. Prim Care Respir J 10, 80 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/pcrj.2001.33
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pcrj.2001.33