Closing Pediatric Asthma Care Gaps Through School-Based Telehealth: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Background:
Uncontrolled pediatric asthma leads to poorer outcomes; school-based telehealth (SBTH) is an opportunity to intervene.
Local Problem:
The connection rate to primary care after SBTH visits for asthma exacerbations was below organizational goals. Additionally, there was a gap in assessing SBTH's role in providing access to rescue medication.
Method:
A 3-month plan-do-study-act design was used to improve SBTH referral rates among SBTH providers. Data was collected via EHR reports and chart reviews.
Interventions:
SBTH providers were trained to complete a 3-question checklist on referral orders for all patients treated for an asthma exacerbation.
Results:
Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant increase (p < .001) in the "Connect to PCP" rate, 21% to 71%. Additionally, 86% of eligible participants had access to rescue medication at school, with one-third requiring SBTH to bridge a gap.
Conclusions:
PCP connection can be increased; however, automation is needed for sustainability. Additionally, SBTH may increase access to asthma medication.
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