Development of an Evidence-Based Pediatric Asthma Program for a Nonprofit Clinic Serving Underserved, Uninsured, and Underinsured Populations in Southern Nevada

Abstract

The purpose of this Practice Inquiry Project was to create a pediatric asthma management program for children age five and older, based on up-to-date evidence-based guidelines. The program was developed for the First Person Care Clinic, a free clinic that serves the underserved, uninsured, and underinsured population in Nevada. A microsystems analysis was performed to understand the clinic’s workflow and protocols for treating pediatric asthma patients. Analysis of current literature and vignette surveys helped in identifying topics included in the asthma management guide. Topics involved general asthma management and areas that needed to be improved in order to be consistent with current national asthma guidelines. An asthma management guide was developed and evaluated by an interdisciplinary team using the AGREE II methodology. Results from the evaluation indicated that providers recommended the management guide for use, but with an additional section that assists in the identification of comorbidities.