Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL), Phase II

HEAL, Phase II built on the lessons learned from the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) project, a post-Katrina research initiative that studied the effects of mold and other indoor allergens on children with moderate to severe asthma.

The Xavier University of Louisiana Center for Minority Health & Health Disparities Research and Education, Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans, and Children's Health Fund partnered to provide individualized counseling by certified asthma educators and home visits to children with poorly controlled asthma.

Design

222 children with asthma between the ages of 2-18 were enrolled in the project, and 187 participants completed the 12-month follow-up assessment.

Evaluation

Asthma educators used The Asthma Education Inventory tool, at baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-up, to collect information regarding:

• Demographics
• Type of visit
• Visit location
• Status of asthma action plan
• Impairment and risk factors
• Healthcare utilization
• Inhaler technique
• Medication use

The Caregiver Satisfaction Survey was utilized within the Daughters of Charity clinics to assess patient and caregiver impressions of their encounter with the asthma educator. Patients and/or caregivers completed the Satisfaction Survey after each encounter.

Outcomes

Children with uncontrolled asthma decreased from 71 percent at baseline to 38 percent at 12 month follow-up (n=187)

Publications