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Reduction in resource utilization by an asthma outreach program
D K Greineder1, K C Loane, P Parks
1Department of Allergy, Harvard Community Health Plan, Boston, MA, USA.
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|April 1, 1995
Summary
An asthma outreach program significantly reduced emergency and hospital admissions for pediatric patients. This intervention improved patient outcomes and lowered healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Public Health Interventions
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Asthma is a significant public health concern, particularly in inner-city populations.
- High rates of emergency ward and hospital utilization are common among pediatric asthma patients.
- Effective management strategies are needed to reduce healthcare resource burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a pediatric asthma outreach program on emergency ward and hospital admissions.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of asthma outreach interventions.
Main Methods:
- A before-and-after trial design was employed.
- Fifty-three pediatric patients (ages 1-17) with asthma participated.
- The intervention involved personalized education, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing nurse support.
Main Results:
- Emergency ward admissions decreased by 79% (72 to 15 per year).
- Hospital admissions reduced by 86% (35 to 5 per year).
- The program achieved significant cost savings, with an estimated $87,000 saved annually.
Conclusions:
- A pediatric asthma outreach program effectively reduced emergency and hospital utilization.
- The intervention led to substantial cost reductions in asthma care.
- Outreach programs are a valuable strategy for managing pediatric asthma and optimizing healthcare resources.