Who did you collaborate with and how did you develop your linguistically appropriate materials? (for Lisa Diaz, LA Care)

Thank you for your question. We choose educational asthma topics based on the clinical guidelines and based on the need of our members-identified by our annual satisfaction survey. We follow state guidelines from the state of California for readability and suitability. Our asthma team (nurses and a certified health education specialist) work with the Health Education Cultural and Linguistic department to develop pieces that are usable for our members. We also review existing materials from other organizations, government agencies etc. to modify and tailor to our members' specific needs. For example, we are currently revising a trigger flier to include an interactive checklist.

Peak Flow meter use in any of the programs. Is it encouraged?

Yes. We at L.A. Cares About Asthma encourage the use of peak flow meters for monitoring asthma. We provide members a flier about how to use a peak flow meter and a tracking sheet for recording peak flow numbers. This is mailed out for every new member in their new member welcome packet as well as in the annual mailing. Additionally, nurses encourage peak flow use during quarterly monitoring telephonic coaching.

For Lisa Diaz:
I was especially excited about the community advisory boards you described. I'm wondering if you could talk more about the steps involved in organizing them, including getting buy-in from members to participate, and from program educators and coordinators to implement their suggestions.
Thanks!

We (Regional Asthma Disease Management Program, Mission Children's Hospital) provide PFMs for all patients enrolled in our program. The childen receive instruction with return demonstration for appropriate use. Typically, we have the child do PFM monitoring in conjunction with a symptom diary over a two week time period, ideally while they are asymptomatic, to establish personal best and a written asthma action plan.

Thank you tpatterson. The Regional Community Advisory Committees (RCACs) are part of the overall L.A. Care Health Plan structure. They were established by the plan prior to the development of L.A. Cares About Asthma program. As a program, we use the RCACs to get feedback on new initiatives, educational materials etc. If you would like more information on the history and development of the RCACs please contact me directly at: ldiaz@lacare.org and I can put you in touch with the department in charge of these committees.

From Lisa Jordan (http://www.asthmacommunitynetwork.org/user/4846):

The Easy Breathing Materials are available in several languages. Education materials and Treatment plans are field tested to assure that materials are culturally competent (understood) by patients who receive them.