Title

Analysis of an Evidence-based Pediatric Asthma Management Tool for Providers Confirms Linkages between Asthma and Known Risk Factors in a Vermont Practice

Author

Julie Marie Desrochers, University of VermontFollow
Jane Wolforth MPH, Vermont Department of HealthFollow
Thomas V. Delaney PhDFollow
Maria Roemhildt PhD, Vermont Department of HealthFollow
Lynn Zanardi Blevins MD, MPH, University of Vermont College of MedicineFollow

Date of Completion

2015

Document Type

Article

Department

College of Medicine, Public Health

Faculty Advisor/Sponsor

Lynn Zanardi Blevins

Keywords

asthma, chronic disease management, pediatric

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric asthma is one of the largest targets for innovative programs in chronic care management due to its extensive and expanding health burden. A physician-directed asthma management, diagnostic and data tracking tool was implemented in a Vermont pediatric practice. Data were analyzed after one year to enable the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) and practice to describe program participants.

Methods: A modified version of a validated pediatric asthma survey, Easy Breathing, was administered during office visits at a pediatric practice located in Burlington, VT. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess relationships between those with and without current asthma, and between those with intermittent versus persistent levels of asthma.

Results: Of 206 patients, 150 had no asthma, 55 had a current asthma diagnosis and one (1) was listed as ‘unable to determine.’ Patients with current asthma were significantly more likely to be insured with Medicaid (p=.048), have a family history of asthma (p=.019) and be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (p=.028). Within the asthma group, persistent asthma was associated with exposure to cat (p=.043).

Conclusion: Participants in the Easy Breathing Program at this practice with and without current asthma diagnosis showed differences that reflect established asthma risk factors and related asthma triggers. Further efforts are needed to increase the reliability of the data.

Recommended Citation

Desrochers, Julie Marie; Wolforth, Jane MPH; Delaney, Thomas V. PhD; Roemhildt, Maria PhD; and Blevins, Lynn Zanardi MD, MPH, "Analysis of an Evidence-based Pediatric Asthma Management Tool for Providers Confirms Linkages between Asthma and Known Risk Factors in a Vermont Practice" (2015). UVM Student Scholarship From Other Sources. 5.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/studentgen/5