 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Charleen S. Gorrell, RN, MSN, PNP1, Rachel Zerbo, MPH1, Toshi Hayashi, PhD2, Mina Lai, MPH2, Gail E. Kennedy, MPH3, Jennifer Troyan, MPH2, Kasie Gee, MPH4, and David L. Nuņez, MD, MPH5. (1) Childhood Asthma Initiative, California Department of Health Services, 601 North 7th Street, MS 253, Sacramento, CA 95814, (2) Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Control Section, CDIC, California Department of Health Service, 601 North 7th Street, M. S. 725, Sacramento, CA 94234, (3) University of California, San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery, Suite 508, San Francisco, CA 94105, (4) Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Control Section, CDIC, California Department of Health Services, 601 North 7th Street, M. S. 725, Sacramento, CA 94234, (5) Chief, California Asthma Public Health Initiative, California Department of Health Services, Chronic Diseases Control Branch, 601 North 7th Street, P.O. Box 042732, MS 253, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
IMPROVED ASTHMA MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AGED 0-5 AND THEIR FAMILIES: A COMMUNITY-BASED ASTHMA INTERVENTION PROGRAM Charleen Gorrell, RN, MSN, PNP; Rachel Zerbo, MPH; Toshi Hayashi, PhD; Mina Lai, MPH; Gail Kennedy, MPH; Jennifer Troyan, MPH; Kasie Gee, MPH; David Nunez, MD, MPH;
Purpose: The Community Asthma Intervention projects are a component of the Childhood Asthma Initiative of the California Department of Health Services. They provide multi-focused community asthma interventions for children with asthma less than 5 years of age and their families to decrease morbidity and improve their quality of life. Methods: Eight community projects developed community asthma coalitions, conducted asthma education campaigns, partnered with clinics participating in quality improvement activities, and employed asthma coordinators (ACs) to provide education on asthma and asthma medications, conduct environmental assessments, reinforce asthma action plans, make referrals to community resources, and facilitate collaboration between healthcare and childcare providers. Most contacts were made in person at home or clinic. As of December 31st, 2002, ACs have provided services to 1,572 children. Outcomes were evaluated using a uniform parent/guardian interview instrument conducted at enrollment and every six months. Results: To date, 801 baseline and follow-up interviews with the parents/guardians have been completed. Preliminary results show improvements in most asthma-related measures. For example, the percent of children who visited an emergency room during the study period compared to prior time period decreased from 54% to 26% (N=801, p<0.0001, paired sample) and the percent with a written asthma management plan increased from 34% to 71% (N=801, p<0.0001, paired sample). Conclusions: Children who were enrolled in the project reported decreased asthma symptoms, less utilization of health care services, and overall improved asthma management. Community projects are developing plans to continue and expand their programs. Issues related to evaluation will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Asthma, Children With Special Needs
Related Web page: www.dhs.ca.gov/childasthma
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.