Improved asthma outcomes among at-risk children in a pharmacist-led, interdisciplinary school-based health clinic: A pilot study of the CAReS program

• DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.11.008
• Publication Date: 2021-11-10T21:02:19Z
• Authors: Jennifer Padden E...; Tricia Morphew; Deborah Gentile; Paige Williams; Christine Barrett; Nicole Sossong
• Keywords: McNemar's test; Guideline; Attendance

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Disparities in access to care and outcomes have been identified among children with asthma living underserved communities. The Caring for Asthma our Region's Schoolchildren program was established reduce disparities by providing school-based, comprehensive a pharmacist-led, interdisciplinary team high-risk pediatric populations the Greater Pittsburgh area. <h3>Objective</h3> To investigate impact on follow-up appointment attendance, delivery of guideline-based care, control, morbidity (emergency department [ED] visits, oral corticosteroid [OCS] requirement), asthma-related knowledge quality life. <h3>Methods</h3> study enrolled 50 from 6 elementary schools (September 2014-December 2017). Children completed 5 visits over 3-month period. McNemar's test assessed improvement controller therapy use reduced (ED or OCS requirement). Generalized estimating equation analyses determined significance monthly improvements knowledge, <h3>Results</h3> A 100% show rate achieved nearly all participants (92.0%). Most patients were African-American (56%). In persistent disease, only 21.4% prescribed at baseline, which improved 78.5% upon enrollment (<i>P</i> < 0.05). control statistically significantly 0.05), reduction percentage who required an ED visit burst pre-to postintervention also significant (31.3% vs. 14.6%, <i>P</i> goal treatment plan 67% caregivers within 1 month increased 6% 60% 3 months Asthma-related life <h3>Conclusions</h3> owing inadequate health can be addressed. Improved medication life, are achievable as demonstrated study. Our findings support feasibility value school-based model at-risk populations.