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The effect of a pediatric asthma management program provided by respiratory therapists on patient outcomes and cost

David C Shelledy1, Shawn R McCormick, Terry S LeGrand

  • 1College of Health Related Professions, The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.

Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|December 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A pediatric asthma disease management program (ADMP) delivered by respiratory therapists significantly reduced hospitalizations and costs for children with moderate to severe asthma. This home-based intervention improved patient outcomes and decreased healthcare expenses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Healthcare Management
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children, often leading to significant healthcare utilization and costs.
  • Effective disease management programs are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric asthma patients.
  • Existing management strategies may not adequately address the needs of children with moderate to severe asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a pediatric asthma disease management program (ADMP) delivered by respiratory therapists.
  • To determine if the ADMP can improve patient outcomes in children with moderate to severe asthma.
  • To assess the impact of the ADMP on healthcare costs associated with pediatric asthma.

Main Methods:

  • A pre- and post-intervention observational study design was employed.
  • Data on hospitalizations, ICU days, emergency department visits, physician visits, school days missed, and associated costs were collected for 18 children (ages 3-18) with moderate to severe asthma.
  • The ADMP involved eight home visits including assessment, environmental review, and patient education over a 12-month period.

Main Results:

  • Significant reductions were observed in hospitalizations (P < .05), hospitalization costs, ICU days, non-ICU days, and length of stay.
  • Emergency department visits and associated costs, physician office visits and costs, and school days missed also showed significant decreases.
  • The study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in multiple outcome measures post-intervention.

Conclusions:

  • A pediatric in-home asthma disease management program (ADMP) provided by respiratory therapists is effective in improving health outcomes for children with moderate to severe asthma.
  • The ADMP leads to a significant reduction in healthcare costs for pediatric asthma patients.
  • Home-based interventions by respiratory therapists represent a valuable strategy for managing pediatric asthma.
Abstract

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