Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Back-to-school means back to the doctor, too, says Children’s Medical Center Dallas

By Staff of Children's Medical Center

DALLAS — To most kids and their parents, back-to-school time means new school supplies and shopping for clothes. But, for children with a chronic illness like asthma, this time of year requires a little more preparation, including a visit to the doctor.

“Ideally, a child with asthma should see his healthcare provider three to four weeks before the start of the school year,” says Robin Brown, RN, BSN, AE-C at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. “That way, the physician can assess the child’s needs, refill prescriptions and complete necessary forms for the school nurse or teacher.”

A healthcare provider also should update a child’s written care plan – or action plan – at least once each year. Back-to-school time is a great time to discuss any changes to the plan, as well as to share that comprehensive plan with others.

“Provide your child’s teacher, nurse and coaches with a copy of this written care plan,“ says Brown. “The action plan should include step-by-step instructions for dealing with asthma symptoms, as well as a full-blown attack, including the names and doses of appropriate medicines.”

Brown says day-to-day medications, or controller medications, should be taken at home. But, she says it’s important to talk with your child’s physician about the need for a quick-acting reliever medication, like a metered dose inhaler or a nebulizer, that is kept at school.

She reminds parents that all medications taken to school should be clearly labeled by a pharmacy. Younger kids may need to leave medications with the school nurse, but older kids may be experienced enough with their inhalers to carry them on their body.

“Current law allows children to keep certain medications with them if they know when and how to use the medication properly,” says Brown. “Your child’s healthcare provider still may need to complete paperwork that grants him permission to keep an inhaler in the classroom. Be sure this paperwork is completed before the start of the school year.”

Robin Brown in the asthma management program manager at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. The asthma management program, which links in-home education, an environmental assessment, family self-management skills and primary care physician involvement, was the first in Texas to receive certification by the Joint Commission for disease-specific care programs for pediatric asthma initiatives. Asthma is among the top three admitting diagnoses at Children’s.

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