Asthma - A problem of health care delivery - Is it time for a new paradigm?

Authors
Citation
M. Weinberger, Asthma - A problem of health care delivery - Is it time for a new paradigm?, ALL ASTH P, 20(1), 1999, pp. 57-65
Citations number
64
Categorie Soggetti
Clinical Immunolgy & Infectious Disease
Journal title
ALLERGY AND ASTHMA PROCEEDINGS
ISSN journal
10885412 → ACNP
Volume
20
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
57 - 65
Database
ISI
SICI code
1088-5412(199901/02)20:1<57:A-APOH>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Asthma is common, results in extensive morbidity and occasional mortality, and is associated with highly variable outcome. A major factor influencing outcome relates to physician decision making. Subspecialty directed asthma management has been demonstrated to favorably influence outcome of asthma t o a greater extent than any other variable in care. National guidelines app ear to have had little impact on primary care of asthma despite their wides pread distribution. As a substitute for those extremely comprehensive and e xtensive guidelines, a small number of measures can be identified that are both realistically applicable in the primary care setting while having the greatest impact on outcome. These low intensity high yield measures, if app lied, can substantially reduce emergency care requirements and hospitalizat ions. Patients not responding adequately to those measures should he identi fied early and referred to subspecialists for subsequent ongoing management .