The Asthma Educator's Handbook » (1st Edition)

Christopher H. Fanta, MD is a member of Partners Asthma Center, Brigham & Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA and has a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School.

Elaine L. Carter, RN, AE-C is a member of Partners Asthma Center, Brigham & Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.

Elisabeth S. Stieb, RN, AE-C is a member of Partners Asthma Center, Brigham & Women's and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.

Kenan E. Haver, MD is a member of Partners Asthma Center, Brigham & Women's and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA and has a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School.

Learn asthma care essentials — from top experts at the Partners Asthma Center

"This book teaches physicians and other healthcare professionals how to recognize and treat asthma exacerbations and was inspired by patients and their experiences with this disease. It is designed for informed educators who know a fair amount about asthma while focusing on patient needs. It is an excellent resource for asthma educators. 3 Stars."—Doody's Review Service

Internists, family physicians, physician's assistants, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists will find this unparalleled, authoritative guide has everything needed to understand and treat asthma in children and adults.

Ideal for preparing for certification as an asthma educator (AE-C), The Asthma Educator's Handbook includes important information such as:
• How to develop an asthma action plan based on the principles of assessing and treating asthma attacks
• Diagnosis and staging ambulatory asthma treatment
• Inhalers and inhalation aids
• Managing asthmatic attacks
• Chapter-ending Q&As that simulate the types of questions likely to appear on the National Asthma Educators Certification Board Exam
• Case discussions that test your knowledge by asking you to assume the role of an asthma educator

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Andrew Scott Bagg, MD(University of South Florida College of Medicine)
Description:The handbook reviews fundamentals of the pathology, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of asthma. A discussion of the clinical applications of asthma care allows one to gain confidence in asthma management through this evidence-based book.
Purpose:Proper skills, resources, and emphasis on the importance of asthma care are the book's main goals, designed to prepare healthcare professionals for certification as asthma educators. Most books are too lengthy and lack the tools to reinforce the didactic information, but this one facilitates learning and provides ways to effectively communicate information to patients and their families.
Audience:The handbook is targeted to all healthcare professionals who work with asthma patients, both pediatric and adult. It focuses on practical situations that patients and/or their family members need to know about.
Features:The 10 chapters are written with patient-friendly terminology, eliminating the language barrier that often is present between medical personnel and patients. The book is well organized, referenced, and diagrams and tables allow the reader to emphasize certain learning points. Key points highlight important concepts. Self-assessment multiple-choice questions with detailed answers finalize each chapter in a wonderful manner.
Assessment:This book teaches physicians and other healthcare professionals how to recognize and treat asthma exacerbations and was inspired by patients and their experiences with this disease. It is designed for informed educators who know a fair amount about asthma while focusing on patient needs. It is an excellent resource for asthma educators.

Part I: The Fundamentals

Chapter 1. Understanding and Explaining the Mechanisms of Asthma

Chapter 2. Diagnosing and Staging the Severity of Asthma

Chapter 3. Medications Used to Treat Asthma

Chapter 4. Treating Asthma in the Ambulatory Setting

Chapter 5. Special Considerations in Childhood Asthma

Part II: Practical Aspects of Asthma Care

Chapter 6. Pulmonary Function Testing and Peak Flow Monitoring

Chapter 7. Identifying Allergic Sensitivities and Promoting Alergen Avoidance

Chapter 8. Inhalers and Inhalational Aids in Asthma Treatment

Chapter 9. Managing Asthma Attacks

Chapter 10. Developing an Asthma Action Plan