Asthma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Asthma, including details on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, causes, medications.

Results of an asthma disease management program in an urban pediatric community clinic.

Newcomb P

Harris School of Nursing, Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, TX, USA. p.newcomb@tcu.edu

PURPOSE: Asthma is increasing in incidence, but adherence to national diagnosis and treatment guidelines is poor. The Children's Asthma Management Program (CHAMP) was designed and implemented by nurse practitioners to address the problem of inconsistent asthma management. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is an outcome-based evaluation of a novel asthma management program in which practitioners created a structured mechanism for implementing national evidence-based asthma treatment guidelines. RESULTS: Children who completed the program experienced an 85% decrease in hospitalizations for asthma, 87% decrease in emergency room visits for asthma, and 71% decrease in acute office visits for asthma exacerbations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Patients may benefit from microsystem structures intentionally designed to facilitate implementation of evidence-based guidelines.

Published 15 June 2006 in J Spec Pediatr Nurs, 11(3): 178-88.
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