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Establishing A Program
If your school already has asthma management program in place, you may not wish to implement the entire Peak Performance USA program. However, it is suggested that you consult with the respiratory therapists about which components of Peak Performance USA—such as the forms—you can use to supplement your program.
Any asthma management program should include policies and procedures for administration of medications, specific actions for staff members to perform, and an Asthma Action Plan for asthma episodes.
Guidelines for each student with asthma should contain medical information, any recommendations from the child’s parents and physician, and specific information for asthma management, such as:
- Specific orders from the child’s physician including recommendation for managing asthma on a daily basis to prevent episodes and for handling symptoms and other episodes.
- A list of all medications the student receives (listing which ones are taken during, before and after school hours).
- A plan of action, based on peak flow and symptoms, for school personnel to help the student manage an episode.
- Make available appropriate forms for students to self carry and administer medication.
- Emergency procedures and phone numbers.
Have the Asthma Action Plan signed by a parent and the physician. Make sure the plan is specific to the student’s needs because each individual’s asthma is different. Keep the Plan on file at school.
Specific actions should be taken by school staff members in the school. The following pages include Peak Performance Actions that should be taken by the Administrator, School Nurse, Teacher/Homeroom Supervisor, Physical Education Instruction/Coach, and Guidance Counselor. Copies of these Peak Performance Actions should be provided to the appropriate staff.
The school nurse should preferably be the person responsible for managing the student’s Asthma Action Plan at school. The school nurse’s health care training has prepared him or her for administering such a program, monitoring the student’s health, and handling medical emergencies.