Background

The origins of many chronic adult lung diseases are influenced by lifestyle in childhood. Therefore, there is a need for early interventions that focus on positive life choices to improve lung health from an early age.

Aim

To develop an engaging early years intervention to teach young people about the importance of lung health, influence their behaviours and prevent respiratory disease later in life.

Methods

An MDT steering group was formed by the European Lung Foundation and ERS CRC CADSET. A two-tiered approach was offered to schools in Barcelona, Spain (to coincide with the ERS Congress) via an online schools forum: tier 1 and 2 providing age-appropriate resources; tier 2 providing nurses to deliver the sessions. A short qualitative survey was provided to measure impact of the sessions.

Results

Nine schools took initial interest, two were available for the pilot, both chose tier 2. 14 resources were produced in English, Spanish and Catalan, in-line with the school curriculum and CADSET messaging.

Three 1-hour sessions took place with children aged 9-10 years, with 25-50 children per class.

Feedback indicated that information should be more detailed and sessions longer. Children were engaged, enjoyed having the nurses teach them and asked complex questions.

General written feedback was provided by the schools.

Conclusion

A school-based intervention for lung health is feasible and was well received by children and teachers. Resources should be in-depth and longer than 1 hour to allow for practical activities. Formal feedback from the sessions should be collected by the research team to ensure quality.