Clinical Research Directory

The investigator will collaborate with the student's primary care provider (PCP) by sending a letter via facsimile, and/or e-mail to ensure appropriate medications are prescribed or adjusted and rescue medications are available at school. Community Health Workers (CHWs) will follow up with PCPs as needed to provide reminders about prescriptions for controlled medications and to ensure a medication administration form (MAF) is provided to schools to allow rescue medication administration by nurses. CHWs will work with local pharmacies when possible to have prescribed medications delivered to schools and homes. For students without a PCP, families will be referred to one of Montefiore Medical Center's 20 practices throughout the Bronx. For students without medical insurance or who are unable to go to a Montefiore clinic, New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) physicians who routinely attend NYC schools will provide medical care and prescribe appropriate medications.

PCPs and caregivers will be notified that children in the AM group have persistent/uncontrolled asthma that warrants use of guideline-based preventative medications.

The investigator will provide in-school child asthma education sessions delivered by trained, bilingual (English-Spanish) Community Health Workers (CHWs) using an established manualized protocol from past and current studies designed to improve knowledge and self-efficacy. Each child will receive two 1-on 1, 20-minute developmentally appropriate educational sessions at school 3-4 weeks apart. Sessions will cover: 1) asthma basics, symptoms and triggers; and 2) medications and correct administration technique. Caregivers will be called after each child session to highlight key points reviewed with the child and answer questions.