Evaluation of an urban pediatric home care asthma critical pathway program
Asthma is the leading cause of disability among children in the United States and has substantially increased. The National Health Interview Survey on Child Health (NHISCH) reported that for every 1000 African American children, 246.5 have chronic illness.
This study was an evaluation of the development of the asthma critical pathway (ACP). It was done to identify strengths and weaknesses in the program.
A large urban pediatric home care organization provided home care visits to African American children responding to 62% of all requests for asthma education and assessment.
The asthma critical pathway aids home care by increasing the accountability of services so that intervention provided at each visit helps the patient and caregiver progress toward obtaining mutually agreed upon objectives and desired outcomes.
The ACP program goals, standard of care, follow-up, and outcome measures were evaluated. Recommendations were made related to educational materials, environmental hazards, timing visits, and education of nurses and respiratory therapist to effectively use the tool. Further recommendations were made for an ongoing evaluation process.
Patient education is one of four components of effective asthma management established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program to ensure effective control of asthma. Health education has been demonstrated to be effective in patient management of asthma.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner), in this session will be able to - 1) Recognize the need for a comprehensive asthma critical pathway; 2) Evaluate asthma critical pathway program goals, satndard of care, follow-up, and outcome measures; 3) Identify benefits of teaching intervention; 4) Identify weaknesses of follow-up and make recommendations for change.
Keywords: Asthma, Accountability
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.