Asthma Collaborative Learns from PCHC Asthma Continuous Quality Improvement Pediatric Project

In April, CTC-RI hosted its asthma quality improvement (QI) initiative learning collaborative meeting 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 improve communication among common patients/students with asthma on prescribed asthma medication to share asthma action plans, improve asthma management and improve communication regarding school attendance. During this meeting, Lillian Nieves, PharmD, Providence Community Health Centers Clinical Pharmacist, shared outcomes of their Asthma Continuous QI Pedi Project. This project focused on improving asthma knowledge and caregiver education led by pharmacist intervention in a medically underserved population. Outcomes highlighted the need to educate patients on the spot, the importance of patient teach backs, how pharmacists can play a role in patient education and the role of asthma action plans. The practices and school nurses also shared efforts around collaboration, team meetings and targeting high-risk students. Participating pediatric practices are Barrington Pediatric Associates, Pediatric Associates, Sunshine Pediatrics, Blackstone Valley Pediatrics and Park Pediatrics. Partnering school nurses include Tracey Bradley, RN, Kent Heights School, Alexandra Doty, BSN, RN-BC, Myron J Francis Elementary School, Colleen O’Donnell, BSN, RN, George J West Elementary and Bethany Goldberg, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC, Community Elementary School. Funding for this QI project is provided by RIDOH and Tufts Health Plan.