Implementation of "Open Airways" as an educational intervention for children with asthma in an HMO

This article describes the adaptation and implementation of an existing pediatric asthma-management educational program, Open Airways, for members of a large group practice health maintenance organization. Seventy-four children ages 4 to 14 years and their families were randomized into one of seven class cohorts as part of a larger study of pediatric asthma management. The Open Airways program was modified to increase the emphasis on behavioral change and medication information and to reflect the different sociodemographic makeup of the population, compared with that for which the program was developed. Of the 74 families, 62 attended at least one class, and 47 of these attended five or more classes. Evaluations after classes suggest an increase in parental confidence in managing their child's asthma and an earlier use of medications. Health care providers may be able to adapt similar programs for successful use with their populations.