The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4112.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 1:00 PM

Abstract #48774

Lessons from the field: Challenges of evaluating a coalition-driven community asthma intervention

Kathleen H. Coughey, PhD and Caroline G. West, MA, MPAff. Research and Evaluation, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, 260 S. Broad Street, 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 215-985-2557, kathleen@phmc.org

As prevalence of pediatric asthma and asthma-related morbidity and mortality has risen in the United States, communities have stuggled to develop effective ways to improve asthma diagnosis and disease management, increase public awareness and coordinate community resources. Numerous approaches have been developed across the states to address the rising incidence of astham. Asthma coalitions have emerged as an increasingly popular community response to asthma. Evaluating these coalitions is a challenge, particularly in a large urban setting with multiple coaltion partners and programs.

The Philadelphia Allies Against Asthma (PAAA) Coaltion, through funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is developing interventions to reduce asthma-related morbidity in two large, low income communities in Philadephia. With over 100 members representing over 40 organizations, the members are developing and implementing a community intervention that includes the cooperation of managed care organizations, coordinates current resources, as well as developing new interventions to address unfilled needs in the community.

The Philadelphia Health Management Corporation is evaluating the work of the PAAA as well as the effectiveness of the interventions. Critical to the success of the evaluation is the identification of factors that facilitate and implede the coalition and intervention effectiveness. This presentation will include a discussion of the challenges of identifying the key coalition porcesses, uncovering negotiations and linkages that occur behind the scenes and assessing the overall effectiveness of the community-wide intervention

Learning Objectives:

  • After hearing this presentation, the participant will be able to

    Keywords: Asthma, Evaluation

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:
    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.

    Partnerships in Policy Development, Planning and Implementation of Health Care

    The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA