Introduction: Asthma is one of the leading chronic diseases in children and can
significantly affect quality of life and academic performance. Poor asthma control
increases the risk of hospitalizations, more frequent visits to emergency medical services,
and school absenteeism. In Slovenia, asthma affects approximately 14% of children.
Globally, it accounts for more than 14 million missed school days annually and contributes
to high healthcare costs. Despite advancements in treatment and access to effective
medications, disparities in health outcomes persist, mainly due to harmful environmental
factors that influence the pathogenesis of asthma. Purpose: To explore the role of the
school nurse in managing asthma in children. Objective: To present the role of the school
nurse in asthma management and describe the process of health education work with
children with asthma. Methods: A descriptive literature review of Slovenian and
international sources was conducted. Literature was searched in PubMed/Medline,
CINAHL, COBIB, and Google Scholar databases between June and September 2023.
Keywords included combinations of the terms asthma, children, school nurse, health
education, and support. Inclusion criteria were open access, scholarly and professional
relevance to the thesis topic, and publication in Slovene or English from 2012 onward.
Results: The literature review showed that the school nurse is a vital member of the
multidisciplinary team for asthma management in children. The nurse helps develop action
plans, educates children, parents, and school staff, and responds quickly in the event of
asthma exacerbations. Moreover, the nurse’s presence contributes to reduced school
absenteeism and improved asthma control. Discussion and Conclusion: The introduction
of school nurses in Slovenian schools would significantly contribute to improving
children's health, identifying health problems early, and implementing preventive
programs. The school nurse plays a key role in fostering collaboration among parents,
teachers, and healthcare professionals, thereby ensuring comprehensive care and
improving the quality of life for children with asthma.
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