A randomized controlled trial of a nurse-led education pathway for asthmatic children from outpatient to home

Background: Education for asthmatic children in the outpatient department is insufficient.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a nurse-led education pathway, a standard education programme, on children with asthma.

Methods: One hundred and eighty participants enrolled and were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. The intervention group received predetermined step-by-step education sessions based on the self-designed education pathway, while the control group received usual care. Asthma control, health-related quality of life, and health-care utilization measures were taken at baseline and at follow-up visits between February 2016 and May 2018.

Results: Significantly higher scores for health-related quality of life and inhaler technique at the third-month visit and asthma control test at the sixth-month visit were seen in the intervention group. The numbers of unscheduled physician visits and school absences were lower in the intervention group than in the control group within 6 months. However, no significant differences were observed in emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Conclusion: The nurse-led education pathway could be considered effective for children with asthma visiting the outpatient department.