Evaluating the Impact of Information Technology Tools to Support the Asthma Medical Home

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Health Informatics
• Clinical Systems Improvement

Background:

• Asthma management in children requires effective care coordination within medical homes.
• Information technology (IT) integration into electronic health records (EHRs) offers potential for improved asthma outcomes.
• Previous studies have explored IT's role, but specific impacts on pediatric asthma utilization metrics need further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of IT tools on pediatric asthma patient outcomes within a medical home setting.
• To determine if modifications to EHRs, including notes, care plans, and orders, influence healthcare utilization.
• To analyze the association between IT implementation and reductions in emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient admissions for asthma.

Main Methods:

• A registry of children aged 4–18 with an asthma diagnosis (ICD-9 code) was established.
• EHRs were modified to incorporate IT tools for asthma management.
• Retrospective analysis of ED and inpatient utilization data for a cohort of 1217 patients from July 2009 to June 2013.

Main Results:

• Post-implementation, care plan use increased from 5% to 22%, and care coordination enrollment rose from 0.1% to 4%.
• A significant reduction in asthma-related emergency department admissions was observed (P < .05).
• A significant reduction in asthma-related inpatient admissions was observed (P < .005).

Conclusions:

• The implementation of information technology tools in medical homes is associated with improved asthma management.
• IT integration facilitated better asthma control assessments and care plan adherence.
• IT tools demonstrated a positive impact on reducing acute healthcare utilization for pediatric asthma patients.