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Introduction
"What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?"
is an interactive educational program developed for persons with asthma.
The program is targeted to children junior high and up, though younger
children and adults also enjoy and benefit from this game. Clinicians
created the program with input from children with asthma, pediatricians,
pulmonologists, nurses, and health educators. It is fun, easy to use,
and operates on any Windows operating system. The game can be used in
physician offices, at school, neighborhood organizations, and at home
just to mention a few places.
"What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?" empowers children to better
understand their health status and improve the quality of their life through
enhancing their knowledge of asthma. Nurses, physicians, health educators,
parents, and teachers are able to evaluate child specific needs regarding
gaps in their understanding of asthma and how to best manage it.
Product
Overview and Description
"What's the
Scoop™ on Asthma?" allows players to choose from a 12, 24, 36,
48, or 60 question version of the game with the ability to leave and save
the game results for return at a later time. Four animated characters
guide the player through a game that combines humor with learning. With
their unique humor and brand of sarcasm, each character leads the player
through a series of questions covering five key topics in asthma management:
 |
Medications |
|
Trigger and preventions |
|
Monitoring |
|
Inhaler technique |
|
General
knowledge about asthma |
Peedy is a sassy parrot
who knows her stuff. Robby, the southern belle, is a robot with an attitude
that does not quit. Genie knows how to use rap and humor to guide players
through the tough questions. Merlin, the wise and very New England professor,
thinks he knows everything and wants to show it. And Chiquita, is a beautiful
and intelligent "help critter" who really does know it all.
Walk with Peedy the Parrot as she and her friends guide you through an eductional
adventure full of wit, sarcasm, and humor. Adding to the fun, once a question
is read, a timer begins challenging the player to answer the question in
a defined period of time. Fun and educational for all ages, with or without
asthma! "What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?" helps the player to
understand and answer these questions, and more:
|
What are risk factors
that might trigger an asthma attack? |
|
What can be done
to minimize the chance of experiencing an asthma attack? |
|
What are the warning
signs of an impending asthma attack? |
|
What medications
can be taken to help control asthma? |
|
What's
the proper way to use an inhaler? |
At any time the player, health professional, or parent may also assess the
child's understanding of the material presented in the game. Within the
program is a detailed Report Card that graphically illustrates the percent
of answers that are answered correctly for each of the five categories listed
above.
In addition, the Report Card provides a detailed listing of all questions
attempted that includes the player's response and the correct response if
different from the player's. If the player gets 90% or more questions correct
they are able to print out an official "What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?"
Certificate of Completion.
Product
Use and Procedure
| |
Set-up |
| |
The
software is provided in a CD-ROM and is easily installed. The user
places the CD-ROM into the appropriate drive and waits for instructions
as to how to proceed. The auto install wizard will direct the user
as to how to install the software and makes sure there is sufficient
space on the computer disk.
Once installed the player can double click on the "What's the
Scoop™ on Asthma?" icon located on the desktop to start
the game. Chiquita then appears and directs the player as to how they
can start the game. She is also available to be of assistance if obstacles
are encountered during the course of the game.
If there are any difficulties or technical problems EPI-Q staff are
available to work through the problems. They can be contacted by calling
1-888-889-1366 and dial extension 29. The Scoop Customer Service will
make sure that your question is answered or you are directed to the
right person to answer your question.
|
| |
Playing
the Game: |
| |
1 |
To
play the game click on the "Log On" button and either select
the name of the player from the dialogue box or select New Player
and follow the directions to start the game. |
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2. |
Once
the player gets to the Main Menu screen they can select whether to
continue a previous game or select a new game. |
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3. |
If a
new game is selected the player selects whether they want to play
the version that contains 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 questions. The 12-question
version is ideal for providing a quick assessment of knowledge or
if the player wants to get in a quick game before dinner. The longer
version games allow the player to really work on developing their
knowledge of asthma and how to manage it. |
| |
4. |
Once
a game is selected, the "Play!" screen emerges and the player
can select which character they would like to guide them and what
level. A player can select any character to guide them throughout
a set of game questions each of the three levels. Level I questions
are True/False while Level III include multiple choice questions with
more than one possible correct answer out of five possible answers.
For each category of questions, the player also has the opportunity
to win fictitious money adding to the fun and challenge. |
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5. |
In general,
the player selects a question set, listens to the question, completes
the answer by clicking on the appropriate radial button(s), and then
clicks the green "Answer" button. Afterward, the character
reviews the question with the player and then the player clicks the
"Next" button to proceed to the next question in the category
or the "Back" button to go back to the "Play!"
screen where the player can choose a different character and/or question
Level. Once a category of questions are completed, that button is
grayed out for the character and level, with all available remaining
question categories highlighted in bright green. |
| |
6. |
The
character asks the question in addition to having the question appear
in text format on the screen. Once the question is read a timer starts
providing a limited time in which the question can be answered. If
the time expires a buzzer sounds and the character will provide the
correct answer and encourage the player to try another question. |
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7. |
If the
player answers the question in the allotted time, the character will
appear and say whether the correct answer(s) was selected. If an incorrect
answer(s) is selected the correct answer is highlighted. The character
provides a humorous, witty, and/or sarcastic response to the selection
and then provides an educational message regarding the correct response. |
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8. |
Once
the character provides the educational message the player can advance
to the next question in a category. If all questions in a category
are completed, the player can choose a different level with the same
or different character or choose a different character and start a
new level. |
Features
and Benefits
Fun
and educational - "What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?"
is a computer educational games that provides instruction, challenge, and
fun in one package. Watch the child challenge the game by jousting with
the characters and strive to beat their previous scores while learning more
about their condition and the importance of managing it carefully.
Developed by experts - "What's
the Scoop™ on Asthma?" was developed by pharmacists, nurses, physicians,
and with input from children with asthma. It has been tested in junior highs
and reviewed by pediatricians and pulmonologists prior to release. Therefore,
the content is timely and accurate though does not replace the advice and
instruction by the child's health care team.
Immediate feedback on performance -
"What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?" provides immediate witty and
humorous feedback after every question that rewards the player for correct
answer and challenges the player to keep trying when an incorrect answer
is given.
Track progress with written assessment - "What's
the Scoop™ on Asthma?" includes an assessment module contained
within the report card that provides information of what areas of asthma
knowledge require further understanding. Progress can also be tracked over
time using the report graphs at the end of each section. Further detail
is provided with a written copy of each question attempted, the player's
response, whether the response was correct, and if not what the correct
response(s) should have been.
Ideal for school nurses office - "What's
the Scoop™ on Asthma?" provides an excellent education tool for
school nurses wanting to help cut down on absenteeism by improving their
student's knowledge of asthma and how to better manage it including avoiding
triggers and enhancing medication compliance.
Improve knowledge among school gym instructors,
teachers, athletic directors, school administrators, parent teacher organizations
- Teachers and gym instructors can themselves learn more about
asthma and how to help students with asthma by using "What's the Scoop™
on Asthma?" and become an ally of the school nurse. Deepen the understanding
among school administrators and parent teacher organizations of the issues
students with asthma are confronted with daily.
Teaching tool for parents, caregivers, and students
- Make copies available to students, caregivers, and/or parents
so that they can learn more about how to help manage asthma at home.
Enhances
reading and basic science skills - As administrators in the Chicago
Public School system have pointed out, this program also helps to reinforce
reading, listening, math, and basic science skills as an added plus to playing
the program.
Works on any Windows system - "What's
the Scoop™ on Asthma?" has been tested and works on any Windows
operating system but the more advanced the system, the better the appearance
of the program.
Affordable - The program, priced at
$39.95 is affordable to all.
Frequently
Asked Questions
| Q. |
Who
is EPI-Q? |
| A. |
EPI-Q is a private
medical consulting and research company comprised of clinicians and
scientists based in the Chicago Metropolitan Areas and providing services
across the United States. Many of the EPI-Q staff also have faculty
appointments at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy and/or
the University of Illinois School of Public Health. EPI-Q clinicians
provide applied research services to the pharmaceutical industry,
over 250 hospitals, numerous clinics and physician practices, and
collaborate with professional organizations across the country. More
information on EPI-Q is available at www.epi-q.com
or by calling 1-888-889-1366 and dialing extension 22 and asking for
Mark Jewell, Ph.D. the President of EPI-Q who would be happy to answer
any other questions. |
| Q. |
Who
developed "What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?"? |
| A. |
EPI-Q clinicians
developed "What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?" with significant
input through interviews and focus groups from children with asthma,
health educators, school nurses, and parents of children with asthma.
The program was also tested in a junior high in the Chicago Metropolitan
Area and reviewed by several pediatricians, pediatric pulmonologists,
and health educators. |
| Q. |
Whom
do I call if I have problems with installation or questions about
the program? |
| A. |
Please call 1-888-889-1366
and dial extension 29. Scoop Customer Service can either help you
or make sure that the right person is available to answer your questions.
If there is a product defect it can be returned to EPI-Q for replacement
if done within 30 days of purchase and proof of purchase is included.
Returns should be sent to:
EPI-Q
Attn: Scoop Customer Service
17W727 Butterfield Road
Suites F&G
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
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| Q. |
What
computers will "What's the Scoop™ on Asthma?" work
on? |
| A. |
"What's the
Scoop™ on Asthma?" has been tested and will work on any
Windows operating system. The program's peak performance is with a
Pentium Processor, 32 MB of memory, screen resolution of 800x 600
and 256 colors. |
| Q. |
What
ages are appropriate for this program? |
| A. |
Most health educators
will tell you that the game is best suited for children in middle
school and above based upon the readability index of the program.
However, anecdotal evidence and experience suggests that children
and adults of all ages can benefit from the program and enjoy its
rewards. |
| Q. |
When
can I generate and/or print a copy of the report card? |
| A. |
A copy of the report
card can be printed at any time after starting the game. The extent
of the report card is dependent upon how much of the game is completed. |
| Q. |
Why
can't I print out a copy of the Certificate? |
| A. |
The Certificate
is the ultimate level of achievement for "What's the Scoop™
on Asthma?" and can be printed only after the player correctly
answers 90% or more of the questions in a completed game. |
Articles/Sales
Brochures/Manuals
Background
and Relevant References
In the years from 1994 - 1996, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported
that students with asthma between 5 - 17 years of age missed 14 million
school days or 3.7 days per year per studenti. Other authors used data from
the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to estimate that children with
asthma in this same age group missed 11 million school days at a cost of
$957 million because of caretakers' time off from workii.
Regardless of the exact financial impact, the socioeconomic and human impact
of childhood asthma is great. Innovation in health care delivery is required
to address the complex physical, emotional, and social factors related to
the onset and progression of asthma. Programs must focus on critical areas
(e.g., triggers, medication, and education) that positively and most directly
affect health and economic outcomes. Programs must also include family,
teachers, and health professionals because they all affect the management
of asthma for children. Finally, programs must endeavor to build the internal
capacity of the system in which it is implemented to insure the success
of the program beyond the life of the funding period.
Intervention programs have been implemented in schools with varying degrees
of success because it is the place where students, parents, teachers, and
health professionals often interact.iii,iv,v,vi,vii Children spend more time at
school than any other location, outside of home, and can include up to 10
hours a day including before and after school activities.viii,ix This time commitment
provides the opportunity to design programs (e.g., physical education, individual
counseling, health and science class, interaction with the school nurse,
and before or after school activities) that enable students to better manage
their asthma. It has also been argued and shown that improved academic performance
can be achieved by improving the health status of children.x,xi
Further evidence demonstrating the importance of schools in managing asthma
is provided by the National CDC data that shows asthma is the leading chronic
cause of school absenteeism and that childhood asthma results in similar
rates of lost time from work for parents.xii The CDC has taken a lead role
in creating school based programs through the school based program known
as the "Open Airways for Schools Program in 2000" that is being
implemented in 6,926 schools across the United States. The CDC states that
schools are a good place to direct effort and resources because it is available
to all children in a community and children expect to learn in school creating
a climate conducive for implementing behavioral interventions and health
education programs.
References
i Manino DM,
Homa DM, Akinbami LJ, et al. "Surveillance for Asthma -United States,
1980 - 1999. "MMWR". 2002;51(SS01):1-13.
ii Weiss KB, Sullivan SD, Lyttle CS. Trends in the cost of illness for
asthma in the United States, 1985-1994. "The Journal of Allergy and
Clinical Immunology". 2000;106(3):493-499.
iii Christiansen SC, Martin SB, Schleicher NC, Koziol JA, Mathews KP,
Zuraw BL. Evaluation of a school-based asthma education program for inner-city
children. "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology".
1997;100(5):613-617.
iv Lwebuga-Mukasa J, Dunn-Georgiou E. A school-based asthma intervention
program in the Buffalo, New York, schools. "Journal of School Health".
2002;72(1):27-32.
v McEwen M, Johnson P, Neatherlin J., Millard MW, Lawrence G. School-based
management of chronic asthma among inner-city African-American schoolchildren
in Dallas, Texas. "Journal of School Health". 1998;68(5):196-201.
vi Greineder DK, Loane KC, Parks P. A randomized controlled trial of a
pediatric asthma outreach program. "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical
Immunology". 1999;103(3):436-440.
vii Christiansen SC, Zuraw BL. Serving the underserved: school-based asthma
intervention programs. "Journal of Asthma". 2002;39(6):463-472.
vii Ryan LL, Williams JK. A cystic fibrosis handbook for teachers. "Pediatric
Health Care". 1996;10:174-179.
ix Liptak GS, Weitzman M. Children with chronic conditions need help at
your school. "Contemporary Pediatrics" 1995;12(9):64-80.
x Shah S., Gibson PG, Wachinger S., Recognition and crisis management
of asthma in schools. "Journal of Pediatrics & Child Health".
1994;30(4):312-315.
xi Symons CW, Cinelli B., James TC, Groff P., Bridging student health
risks and academic achievement through comprehensive school health programs.
"Journal of School Health". 1997;67(6):220-227.
xii A Public Health Response to Asthma, A PHTN Satellite Broadcast by
the CDC and University of Michigan, May 17, 2001. http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/phtn/asthma/slides.pdf
Other
Information
Technical
Requirements
"What's
the Scoop™ on Asthma?" can be operated on most home PC's.
| Minimum
Requirements: |
|
Pentium Processor |
|
32Mb of Memory |
|
Screen Resolution
of 800 x 600 |
|
256 Colors |
| This
product is designed to install correctly on: |
|
Windows 95 with
the Y2K update and Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 or later |
|
Windows 98 with
the Y2K update and Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 or later |
|
Windows 98 SE |
|
Windows ME |
|
Windows NT 4.0 SP5
(or greater) and Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 or later |
|
Widows 2000 |
|
Windows XP |
The EPI-Q company president
states that no parrots, robots, genies, or magicians were harmed in the
development of this program. Please direct all concerns or inquiries to
the following address:
EPI-Q
17W727 Butterfield Road
Suites F&G
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-4253
Telephone: 888-889-1366 x29 (Scoop Customer Service)
Facsimile: 630-889-1284
www.epi-q.com
Product Ordering Information
| SH
Catalog # |
Product
Name |
| 90511 |
What's
the Scoop™On Asthma? |
|
