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How Our Asthma Therapy Program Works
The SBAT Program is designed to improve access to guideline-based asthma care for historically marginalized children in a way that is fully integrated into the communities that serve these children, developed in conjunction with community partners, and brings asthma healthcare to settings where children spend the majority of their day. The program can be tailored based on local need and available resources.
1.
The SBAT Program runs throughout the entire school year and requires annual
re-enrollment. Children who have poor asthma control (e.g. frequent in school symptoms or frequent Emergency Department use) are referred to the SBAT Program by a school nurse or a primary care physician, asthma specialist, or another healthcare provider.
2.
The starting medication is determined by the primary care or specialist provider and varies depending on the child's asthma severity and baseline therapy. Prescriptions can be sent to pharmacies that provide delivery services for one canister of controller medication to be delivered to the family and one to the school.
3.
Daily controller medication is then administered to the child by a school nurse or trained staff member using a spacer, at a time most convenient for the child and nurse. Each nurse has the flexibility to develop their own medication administration schedule. The SBAT nurse then documents the date and time of medication administration.
4.
Four to six weeks after starting the SBAT program, follow-up assessments with the healthcare provider may be needed for potential adjustments in therapy for children who continue to experience poor control. This can be determined using a brief screening tool administered by the school nurse.
How much does the SBAT Program cost?
SCHOOLS – There is no cost for medications (controller and quick-relief medications). Although, there may be the added expense of obtaining a place to store the medications.
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS – There is no cost to the provider for their patients to participate in the SBAT Program.
CAREGIVERS – There is no additional cost for caregivers to enroll their children in our SBAT Program. However, there may be a controller medication co-pay.
How to Refer a Child
Referrals are based on poor control: frequent quick relief inhaler use, illness, ED visits and hospitalizations, and school absences.
FOR CAREGIVERS: If you feel that your child may benefit from our SBAT Program, you may contact your healthcare provider or school nurse.
FOR SCHOOL NURSES: If you feel that a student may benefit from our SBAT Program, click the link below to download a Caregiver's Guide to give to the parent or guardian. If they are interested, they can contact their child's healthcare provider.
FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS: If you feel that your patient may benefit from our SBAT Program, you may download the Caregiver's Guide and provide it to parent or guardian.
