Textbook:	Asthma Education: Principles & Practice
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Book Review
Patricia V. Burkhart, PhD, RN

Asthma Education: Principles and Practice
By Ian Mitchell, MD, FRCP(C) and Gaynor Govias, B Sc, B Ed, CAI.

This asthma reference text is comprised of four major sections: asthma fundamentals; the role of education; the role of the asthma educator; and a series of case studies that review the information presented in the preceding sections. The chapters in each section can function as individual study modules that include content, reference charts, diagrams, good resource contacts, case studies, and exercises to evaluate the reader's understanding.

Section 1, Asthma Fundamentals, is a comprehensive review of the physiology of asthma. Information appears up-to-date and very applicable to asthma diagnosis and treatment today, with detailed instructions (e.g., medication delivery systems) and the discussion of additional aspects that are not always addressed in asthma education texts, such as the cost of asthma as well as special considerations with asthma (e.g., pregnancy, occupational asthma, and obesity). The information is clear and detailed to support reader comprehension.

Section 2, The Role of Education, stresses the importance of an integrated approach to client education and management. A team approach is emphasized, with the client as part of the team, and specific strategies are discussed and examples are shared. Of particular interest is the information on non-adherence to the recommended asthma regimen, a major contributor to poor asthma management. It is a thoughtful review of the barriers to treatment adherence. The authors did a good job describing the important role of peak flow monitoring and the asthma action plan in client asthma self-management. Alternative and complementary approaches are also reviewed.

Section 3, The Effective Asthma Educator, discusses the role of the asthma educator. Areas reviewed include specific learning theories and how to teach the asthma client. Specific teaching strategies for a clinic setting are also provided. Age-related learning needs and barriers are considered, with an emphasis on management that is tailored to the individual's specific needs.

Section 4, Practice Case Studies, gives several case histories that are used to apply the information that is presented in the text. It affords the opportunity for application of the content to asthma clients.

In summary, the book is an informative resource for health care providers who care for clients with asthma. The information is current, comprehensive, and pertinent to effective asthma management. As a pediatric nursing professor and the principal investigator on federally funded child asthma studies, I have found the Mitchell and Govias text, Asthma Education: Principles and Practice, to be an excellent resource for me and the nurse educators who work with participants in our asthma studies.

 

Dr Patricia V. Burkhart is Principal Investigator on Federally Funded Child Asthma Studies, Director of the Undergraduate Program and Associate Professor, Parent-Child Nursing at the College of Nursing, University of Kentucky.

For information on how to order this publication: Please phone 1-888-ASTHMA6 (278-4626).