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Influence of an interventional program on resource use and cost in pediatric asthma
J C Higgins1, W R Kiser, S McClenathan
1Department of Family Practice, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, FL 32214, USA.
Insights
Patient education and primary care assignment improved pediatric asthma management. This intervention reduced healthcare utilization and costs, demonstrating better outcomes for children with asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Healthcare Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood asthma is a prevalent chronic condition with rising morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
- Effective management strategies are crucial to improve patient outcomes and reduce economic burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of patient education and primary care provider assignment on pediatric asthma management.
- To assess improvements in clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A prospective pilot study involving 61 pediatric asthma patients without a primary care provider.
- Intervention included asthma education and assignment to a provider trained in national guidelines.
- Data on healthcare utilization and medication use were collected pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant decreases observed in monthly inhaled anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions (P=0.007) and chest radiographs ordered (P=0.040).
- Reductions in hospital admissions, Emergency Department visits, and clinic visits were noted post-intervention.
- Estimated annual resource savings of $4845.29 per patient.
Conclusions:
- A combined intervention of patient education and primary care provider assignment positively impacts pediatric asthma care.
- The intervention led to improved clinical outcomes and significant economic benefits for healthcare resource utilization.
Objective:
Asthma is the most common chronic condition of childhood, for which morbidity, mortality, and cost are increasing. This study was performed to determine whether patient education and assignment to a primary care provider improve outcomes and cost in the management of pediatric asthma.
Study Design:
A prospective pilot study of 61 patients was conducted with a retrospective review. Data were obtained from health and pharmacy records.
Patients And Methods:
Sixty-one unassigned pediatric asthma patients who were noted to be frequent users of emergency department services and who had no primary care provider were identified. This cohort received asthma education and was assigned a provider trained in the national asthma guidelines. Hospital admissions, Emergency Department and clinic visits, use of beta 2 agonists and anti-inflammatory drugs, number of chest radiographs, and continuity of care were recorded for a mean of 58.1 months before and 11.2 months after the intervention. A cost analysis was done.
Results:
All measured parameters showed favorable changes after intervention, with the decrease in the number of prescriptions of monthly inhaled anti-inflammatory drugs and chest radiographs ordered being statistically significant (P = 0.007 and P = 0.040, respectively). Monthly admissions, Emergency Department visits, and clinic visits declined after intervention when evaluated after 22.8 months of follow up. Annual resource savings after intervention was estimated to be $4845.29 per patient for this military hospital.
Conclusions:
A combined intervention consisting of provider and patient education and assignment to a primary care provider was associated with improved care and economic outcomes in this group.
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