The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
-
Purpose. To evaluate the impact of transition to managed care from fee for service on asthma service utilization among Maryland Medicaid insured children. Methods. ⋯ Outpatient asthma visits increased from 4.2% to 5.9% of all outpatient claims as both asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits decreased. Conclusions. Restructuring of Maryland Medicaid for children from fee for service to managed care was associated with improvement in asthma-related healthcare utilization claims.
-
We evaluated residents regarding maintenance treatment of asthma and the technique for using metered dose inhalers. Methods. ⋯ Conclusions. The results demonstrate that, when seeing a typical patient with uncontrolled persistent asthma, most residents are able to correctly identify the drugs indicated for treatment but not adequately instruct the MDI technique use.
-
Inadequate skill in the use of asthma inhalation devices by healthcare professionals has been well documented over the past 25 years. We performed a PubMed search of the English literature for studies regarding skill by physicians, medical students, pharmacists, nurses, and respiratory therapists in using asthma inhalation devices. ⋯ National and international guidelines for asthma management include detailed patient education as an essential component of care, yet a large percentage of healthcare professionals are not competent in using inhalation devices. Practical solutions to this problem are needed to enhance the care of asthma patients.
-
Comparative Study
Ethnic-specific differences in bronchodilator responsiveness among African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Mexicans with asthma.
Socioeconomic and environmental differences do not fully explain differences in asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality among Puerto Ricans, African Americans, and Mexican Americans. Differences in response to albuterol may be a factor. We compared bronchodilator responsiveness between these three populations. ⋯ Among subjects with moderate-to-severe asthma, children were even less likely than adults to show the expected bronchodilator response. We conclude that ethnic-specific differences in bronchodilator drug responsiveness exist between Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and African Americans with asthma. This may be of importance in asthma management.
-
Determine the prevalence and risk factors of wheeze and severe wheeze in 13-to 14-year-old children. ⋯ Wheeze appears to be a substantial public health problem in the Polokwane area.