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Published on: November 4, 2010
Measuring outcomes in pediatric asthma
1Division of Clinical Immunology/Allergy University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Insights
Rising pediatric asthma necessitates comprehensive outcome measures. Evaluating clinical, quality of life, and economic impacts is crucial for effective management of childhood asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Pediatric asthma incidence and severity are increasing globally.
- Effective management requires tailored outcome measurements for children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline essential outcome measurement categories for pediatric asthma management.
- To emphasize a multi-faceted approach to evaluating treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of outcome measures into three key areas.
- Inclusion of clinical, physiological, health-related quality of life, and economic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Clinical outcomes include lung function, symptoms, and healthcare utilization (ED/hospital visits).
- Health-related quality of life (HQL) measures, both generic and disease-specific, are vital.
- Economic outcomes encompass direct (medical costs) and indirect (missed school/work) costs.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive assessment incorporating clinical, HQL, and economic factors is essential.
- These measurements guide effective management strategies for pediatric asthma.
Abstract:
The incidence and severity of pediatric asthma continues to increase in developed countries throughout the world. In determining what works best in the management of the asthmatic child, outcome measurements specific for this population have been developed. There are three major categories of outcomes that should be addressed in pediatric asthma. First are the clinical and physiologic measurements, which include lung functions, clinical symptoms, and number of emergency department and hospital visits. Measurement of both generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HQL) is advocated because each provides complementary information about how the condition affects everyday functioning and well-being, and whether treatments have their intended effects. Finally, economic outcomes should be considered, which include direct costs, such as physician and medication costs, and indirect costs, such as missing school or the parents missing work due to their child's asthma.
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