In 2008 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) identified a need for the development of a high-impact, national initiative focused on improved quality care of pediatric patients with asthma, including the facilitated implementation of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) 2007 asthma guidelines within medical homes. To meet this need, the Academy established the Medical Home Chapter Champions Program on Asthma (MHCCPA). The program was initiated with the support of the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. and is now supported by The JPB Foundation as a part of the Accelerating Improved Care for Children with Asthma Program. The MHCCPA facilitates the dissemination of best practices and advocacy related to the implementation of the NHLBI asthma guidelines within medical homes at the AAP chapter and/or state level(s).
Program Goals
Ø Increase access to a medical home for all children and youth, especially those with health disparities;
Ø Facilitate pediatric practices’ adoption and implementation of the NHLBI guidelines within the context of a medical home; and
Ø Increase advocacy efforts for implementation of asthma care within medical homes.
Program Components
Ø Chapter Champions Network
Program goals will be addressed through the development of a medical home Chapter Champions network with representation from each AAP chapter. These individuals will: serve as a conduit for disseminating best policies and practices to pediatric health care providers nationwide through the leadership and networks of AAP chapters; serve as advocates for change at the local, state, and national levels; become involved in providing technical assistance, as well as tools and resources to pediatricians and other pediatric health care providers; and assist in aligning national and state, local, and/or community priorities.
Ø Education and Training
Several modes of education and training geared toward two audiences—AAP members-at-large and chapter champions, respectively—will be employed. The goal of the educational and training strategies is to improve access to mentorship and training regarding how to implement a medical home. This goal will be achieved by dissemination of information via various communication mechanisms, and implementation of an educational webinar series and annual conference for chapter champions focused primarily on medical home, asthma, and health disparities topics.
For more information, contact:
Chelsea Rajagopalan, Program Manager, Division of Children with Special Needs, American Academy of Pediatrics, at 847/434-4311 or crajagopalan@aap.org.