The structured discharge package consisted
of an interview during which information was
provided on the nature of asthma, the recognition
of risk factors and how to avoid them, and
on drugs and devices. The educational component
emphasised guided self management and
an individual written home management plan
was devised for each child, which allowed doses
of preventers and relievers to be adjusted
according to symptoms and peak flow (for
children over 7–8 years). Short courses of oral
steroids were not always included in the
management plan for children randomised to
the intervention group, but were provided if
previously used and if acceptable to parents. A
short booklet for parents and children entitled
At home with asthma was provided to reinforce
verbal information (devised by LTW). It also
formed the basis for the structured discharge
interview. The booklet also contained relevant
local and national contact numbers for additional
advice such as the National Asthma
Campaign Helpline and the local asthma support
group.To provide a standard intervention,
the whole educational component was given by
a single specialist nurse (LJW). It was anticipated
that the interview with the children and
their families would take no longer than 20
minutes and would, if effective, be realistic for
staff to implement on the children’s wards in
the future