Stock Inhalers: A Qualitative Data Analysis of Illinois Health Policy Trials and Triumphs

Abstract

Background: Asthma reliever medication access is critical, especially in schools. Policies that “stock” reliever inhalers in schools provide failsafe medication access. This research aims to understand barriers and facilitators to Illinois stock inhaler policy implementation. Methods: We conducted 18 semi-structured interviews in 2021-2022 with key school-based and non-school-based partners (school administrators, nurses, governmental agencies, and advocacy leaders). Through Atlas.ti, code frequencies compared (Fisher's exact test), and a thematic analysis performed. Results: Four themes emerged: facilitators, barriers, program rationale, and process considerations. The common facilitators were “Finding a provider,” having a “Champion,” and “Funding”. Barriers included “Not enough school nurses,” “Pharmacy refusal to fill prescriptions,” and “Feeling overwhelmed.” All were supportive of the rationale for stock inhalers. Non-school-based informants (p