Role of technology in improving knowledge and confidence in asthma management in school staff

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of technology enabled learning in improving asthma first aid knowledge and self-confidence in providing asthma first aid to children in staff within a school setting. Study Design: A prospective randomized parallel study using a pre and post test design was conducted across Metropolitan schools of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. School staff in selected schools were randomly assigned to receive first aid asthma management training via a self-directed multimedia eBook learning resource or standard face-to-face training. Staff completed a 14 item validated Asthma First Aid Knowledge Questionnaire and a 4 item, 10-point Likert-scale asthma management self-confidence questionnaire immediately pre and post training. Results: 148 school staff from 46 schools were recruited with a total of 59 (78%) staff completing the eBook training and 62 (86%) completing face-to-face training. The mean asthma first aid knowledge score and self-confidence score in managing asthma increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in the eBook training group post training. There was no significant difference in the increase in the mean scores post training between the eBook and face-to-face training groups (p = 0.11). Conclusion: Asthma management knowledge and self-confidence increased in school staff following the eBook training. In school settings where human resources for health education are limited, technology enabled learning may be substituted to provide a self-directed approach to asthma first aid management training.

Keywords:

• School-based education
• health education

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation and Rotary Club of Sydney Cove for their continued support in our research endeavors. We are grateful to Respiratory Department of Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for their cooperation. We thank all the schools staff for their time and contribution to the study. The authors have no conflict of interests. This work was funded by Rotary Club of Sydney Cove.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.