Objective
To evaluate the outcomes of a children's asthma management education program delivered through a community–university partnership.
Design
Quasi‐experimental pretest/posttest.
Sample
Convenience sample of 50 children with asthma, grades 2–5, and their parent/caregiver from nine elementary schools in New York State.
Measurements
Child Asthma Management Self‐Efficacy Survey, Child Asthma Control Test©, Parent Asthma Knowledge Test.
Intervention
Nursing students certified as Open Airways for Schools facilitators administered the program once weekly for 5 weeks. Parent handouts were sent home after each session. Pre/posttests for all measures were completed prior to Open Airways and at completion.
Results
Improved asthma management self‐efficacy (p < .001) and improved asthma control (p = .013) for children with asthma were noted. Parent asthma knowledge was high pre‐ and posttest with no significant change. Parental knowledge regarding inhaled corticosteroids was consistently low.
Conclusions
Collaboration between universities and local school systems allows for mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources to address the need for asthma self‐management for children with asthma. Nursing students trained in asthma management develop expertise and provide sustainable resources for this education.