Examining issues in health care delivery for asthma. Background and workshop overview

There have been recent increases in asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality in the United States. There is substantial evidence that problems in health care delivery may be contributing to these recent trends. Because of these recent changes, a reduction in asthma-related morbidity has been identified as a new national health objective for the year 2000. This article reviews some of the key aspects of patterns of asthma care in the United States, presents an overview of issues that may play a prominent role in the delivery of care, and provides an overview of the organization of the workshop.