The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68029

Cynthia Kelly, MD, Center for Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 W. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510, 757 668 6443, ckelly@chkd.com and John R. Meurer, MD, MBA, Pediatrics (Community Care), Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, MFRC CAUC, Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509.

Background: Healthcare professionals must provide access to quality health services to improve asthma control. Physicians have a special role diagnosing asthma severity and prescribing appropriate medications. In partnership with a team of health care professionals, they also monitor and guide patient self-management, advise physical activity, and recommend avoidance of tobacco and environmental triggers. Through coalition approaches, these professionals can coordinate care and link patients to educational and community-based programs as part of an integrated public health approach to asthma control.

Methods: Survey of healthcare professional members of seven Allies Against Asthma coalitions.

Results: Healthcare professionals participate in asthma coalitions for multiple reasons: to represent their organization and profession; to provide respected and valued leadership and evidence-based approaches; to influence coalition decisions on priority needs, goals and objectives, strategies and resource allocation, and community programs and activities; to learn about and obtain resources and services for their patients; to collaborate in clinical quality improvement that overcomes barriers to care; to serve as a spokesperson; to network with other professionals and concerned citizens; to volunteer in a meaningful endeavor to benefit the community; and to improve population health outcomes for persons with asthma

Conclusions: Coalitions add unique value by linking health care professionals and community representatives in coordinating asthma care.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, the participant will be able to:
• Understand the reasons why health care professional participate in coalitions;
• Increase participation of health care professionals in asthma coalitions;
• Understand the unique value of having health care professional participation in asthma coalitions.

Keywords: Physicians, Asthma

Related Web page: www.asthma.umich.edu

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.