Results of an asthma disease management program in an urban pediatric community clinic.

PURPOSE

Asthma is increasing in incidence, but adherence to national diagnosis and treatment guidelines is poor. The Children's Asthma Management Program (CHAMP) was designed and implemented by nurse practitioners to address the problem of inconsistent asthma management.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This is an outcome-based evaluation of a novel asthma management program in which practitioners created a structured mechanism for implementing national evidence-based asthma treatment guidelines.

RESULTS

Children who completed the program experienced an 85% decrease in hospitalizations for asthma, 87% decrease in emergency room visits for asthma, and 71% decrease in acute office visits for asthma exacerbations.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Patients may benefit from microsystem structures intentionally designed to facilitate implementation of evidence-based guidelines.