Asthma Inpatient Research on Education (AIREd)

Children with asthma are admitted for asthma attacks very frequently in the U.S. The families and children are given basic education about asthma but studies are needed to improve this education so that it makes a meaningful difference in health outcomes and asthma care. This study compares two inpatient education models for children hospitalized with asthma.

The current standard is to review an asthma action plan with families and to review inhaler medication administration. In this study, investigators will be assigning families to either a control (current standard education) or and intervention group. In the intervention group, participants will receive interactive education based on learning theories that are thought to enhance long term memory. Participants in the interactive group will build their own action plan using colored templates and pictures. Participants will also learn to use their inhaler using teach-back methodologies. Investigators will then compare the two groups in terms of ER visits, hospitalizations, family confidence in managing asthma, asthma knowledge, and quality of life.

Active participation to develop asthma action plan and teach back cycles for asthma inhaler teaching/training

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of asthma Exclusion Criteria: Active Cardiac Disease Speaks language other than English or Spanish