The aim of this study was to analyze the perceived usefulness of an interdisciplinary approach for students in the health care disciplines of nursing, medicine, pharmacy and respiratory therapy to learn about the clinical management of asthma in children.

A qualitative approach was utilized for this study. Focus group discussions with students from each discipline were utilized to identify perceptions about interdisciplinary learning, use of the EPR II guidelines for management of asthma, and use of the CDROM for clinical simulations.

Use of interdisciplinary learning helps to clarify roles/responsibilities of each discipline. Learning from one another is enhanced through this type of learning. Participants felt that it would be most helpful to introduce interdisciplinary learning early in their program of study. Additionally, guidelines for the management of children with asthma are more likely to be followed if introduced early in the program and prior to actual clinical management. Use of clinical simulations were perceived as being most helpful when beginning to learn about the particular disease, as opposed to after having cared for a patient with this disease in the clinical setting.

Use of clinical simulations for interdisciplinary learning was perceived as being helpful in learning about other disciplines roles and responsibilities in the clinical management of asthma.