Implementation and Improvement of Pediatric Asthma Guideline Improves Hospital-Based Care.

Background: Standardized pediatric asthma care has been shown to improve measures in specific hospital areas, but to our knowledge, the implementation of an asthma clinical practice guideline (CPG) has not been demonstrated to be associated with improved hospital-wide outcomes. We sought to implement and refine a pediatric asthma CPG to improve outcomes and throughput for the emergency department (ED), inpatient care, and the ICU.

Methods: An urban, quaternary-care children's hospital developed and implemented an evidence-based, pediatric asthma CPG to standardize care from ED arrival through discharge for all primary diagnosis asthma encounters for patients ≥2 years old without a complex chronic condition.

Enhancing Pediatric Asthma Care and Nursing Education Through an Academic Practice Partnership.

Background: Home environmental assessments and interventions delivered via academic practice partnerships (APP) between clinics and schools of nursing may be a low or no cost delivery model of pediatric asthma care and professional education. Patients receive enhanced clinical resources that can improve self-management and healthcare utilization. Additionally, students can practice chronic disease management skills in actual patient encounters.

Breathe easy: 5 steps to better breathing with your metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Proper use of the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is essential for medications to prevent and treat acute asthma exacerbations. This training video teaches children and clinicians correct technique for MDI use.