Introduction to Module 1 and Module 2

This adolescent and young adult eLearning package includes two modules. It aims to provide a framework to better understand and address the challenges and needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with allergy and asthma. It also aims to provide an overview of the effective approaches and interventions to improve transition care in clinical practice in the patient group. It is addressed at any healthcare professional (HCP) involved in the management of AYA with allergies and/or asthma, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists and/or physiotherapists.

Intended learning outcomes for both Module 1 and Module 2

Upon completion of these two modules, participants will be better able to:

1. Recognise the impact of asthma and allergies in AYA.
2. Identify and address the challenges and needs faced by AYA with allergies and asthma.
3. Recognise and apply effective interventions to support AYA to better self-manage their allergies and asthma.
4. Use helpful strategies and skills to support AYA to better self-manage their allergies and asthma.
5. Effectively communicate with AYA.
6. Identify and implement the key features of effective transition for AYA with allergies and asthma.
7. Set up a transition service for AYA with allergies and asthma.

Module 1: Introduction

This module covers, in its first part, the many challenges faced by AYA with asthma and allergies. This includes increased mortality and morbidity, such as impact on quality of life and other psychological issues. Common issues impacting on self-management such as adherence issues, misbeliefs or peer pressure will be discussed. A neurodevelopmental perspective underpinning their behaviour will also be covered. This content should help HCP understand the needs of AYA with asthma and allergies when planning transition care. In the second part, this module covers effective educational, eHealth and psychological interventions as well as other support strategies for AYA with asthma and allergies. Safeguarding concerns and how to approach psychosocial issues will also be discussed. Real-life digital stories and case scenarios as well as consultations with actors will be used to illustrate important concepts.

Intended module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module, participants will be better able to:

1. Recognise the impact of asthma and allergies in AYA.
2. Identify and address the challenges and needs faced by AYA with allergies and asthma.
3. Recognise and apply effective interventions to support AYA to better self-manage their allergies and asthma.

Part 1. The challenge: What is it like to be an adolescent or young adult with allergies and/or asthma?

Part 2. How can we help adolescents and young adults to better self-manage their allergies and asthma?