Quality Improvement

Full report of the Minnesota Department of Health Asthma Program partnered with Pediatric Home Service to conduct a demonstration project, Reducing Environmental Triggers of Asthma (RETA), in homes of children with asthma. RETA addressed environmental factors in the home using inexpensive, uncomplicated interventions. The most common interventions were HEPA air cleaners, pillow and mattress dust encasements, and HEPA vacuum cleaners.

Numerous studies that observe patient technique for using inhaled medications consistently have shown low levels of proficiency with the best rates up to just 55% among children. Without proper inhalation technique, optimal medication delivery to the lungs cannot be achieved. This paper examines the need, recommendations and health care provider reimbursement process for assessing the inhalation technique and educating the patient.