Purpose: Pediatric asthma hospitalization rates and emergency room visits in East Harlem are among the highest in the nation. An East Harlem Family Health Service implemented a comprehensive home-based program. The effectiveness of a home environmental and nursing intervention in a group of children with chronic severe asthma was determined. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to families 7 months after completing this one-year intervention. Of 23 children, 17 were contacted, 6 were lost to follow-up. The severity of the children's asthma, medication compliance, level of physical activity, and maintenance of home environmental improvements was determined. The number of clinic visits, ER visits, hospitalizations and school days missed was compared to pre-intervention values. Results: 94% of families were compliant with medications and 86% maintained home environmental improvements. 81% attended regularly scheduled clinic appointments. ER visits decreased from 139 to 20, hospitalizations decreased from 74 to 7 and school days missed decreased from 324 to 102. Over 80% of the children surveyed were able to participate in physical activities and most had their asthma symptoms under control. Conclusion: By controlling for asthma triggers in the home and reinforcing an asthma management plan including medication and clinic compliance; children showed a decreased need for ER visits and hospitalization while displaying an overall improved quality of life. This work is partially supported by Project MCJ-368712, MCH Program, DHHS.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant should be able to: 1) identify key home environmental triggers 2)implement appropriate interventions 3) recognize impact of comprehensive asthma management plan
Keywords: Asthma, Home Visiting
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.