CTC-RI Kicks Off Asthma Collaborative Focusing on Pediatric and School Nurse Partnership
On January 31, 2024, Care Transformation Collaborative of Rhode Island kicked off its second asthma quality improvement initiative, this time focusing on strengthening partnerships with pediatric practices and school nurses. The goal of this collaborative asthma model between Primary Care Practices and Elementary School Nurses is to enhance clinical competence, improve asthma management, and reduce missed days of school among students diagnosed with asthma and on prescribed asthma medications. All practices participating in this initiative will consider elementary aged children with a diagnosis of asthma on prescribed medication and based on the data, identify a potential elementary school nurse who they can work in partnership with to share and utilize asthma action plans and improve school attendance.
During the kick-off, Greg Fox, MD, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Associates spoke about his role as the school physician for the East Providence schools and how he currently works with schools and school nurses to help students with asthma stay in school. Dr. Fox talked about the importance of the asthma action plan as well as the roles parents play in communicating between providers and school nurses, and most importantly helping families clarify who actually has asthma and needs ongoing care. Finally, we heard from Janet Limoges, Provider Relations Manager, RIDOH KIDSNET and Ashley Robinette, MPH, Asthma Program Manager, RIDOH about updates to KIDSNET regarding asthma action plans and referrals to support programs.
Participating pediatric practices are Barrington Pediatric Associates, Pediatric Associates, Sunshine Pediatrics, and Blackstone Valley Pediatrics. Partnering school nurses Tracey Bradley, RN, Kent Heights School, and Alexandra Doty, BSN, RN-BC, Myron J Francis Elementary School, Colleen O’Donnell, BSN, RN, George J West Elementary.
Funding for this QI project is provided by RI Department of Health and Tufts Health Plan.