A Self-Help Program for Childhood Asthma in a Residential Treatment Center

A structured program designed to enhance self-treatment was successfully implemented in a residential center for asthmatic children. The ultimate objective of the program was to improve compliance with therapeutic regimens, which was felt to be a factor that had necessitated placement of many of the patients. The program was designed to educate the patient and the patient's family regarding the nature of asthma, its treatment and the importance of self-help. Efforts were also made to enhance the emotional maturity of the child. Patients remembered to take their medication over 90% of the time within 1 month of implementation of the program. A similar program was instituted for outpatient use.