PRS46 - Improved Health Care outcomes and Cost Savings for Asthma Through Targeted Home Interventions

Abstract

PRS46 ImPRoved HealtH CaRe outComeS and CoSt SavIngS foR aStHma tHRougH taRgeted Home InteRventIonS Norlien K.G.1, Carlson A.M.2, York P.V.1 1Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA, 2Data Intelligence Consultants, LLC, Eden Prairie, MN, USA Objectives: Studies have demonstrated the importance of the environment both on the development of asthma and on exacerbation of asthma symptoms in those who have been diagnosed with the disease. The goal of this project was to provide in-home asthma services that covered both self-management education and home environmental interventions for children diagnosed with asthma living in Section 8 Multi-family Housing. MethOds: This HUD-funded project consisted of 3-4 home visits by a public health nurse over a one year period—an in-home baseline visit; a visit to deliver allergen-reducing products if needed; and 6 and 12-month follow-ups by phone or in-home visit. Data was collected on asthma status (health-related quality of life and asthma control), health service utilization (hospitalizations, ED and office visits) and school and/or work absences due to asthma. Data analysis was completed using SAS v9.3. Results: 219 children from 161 low income families were enrolled from five participating local public health agencies in a large metropolitan area. The low cost interventions provided, resulted in significant increases in the proportion of enrollees experiencing minimal to no daytime and nighttime symptom burden and functional limitations at the 12-month follow-up (p< 0.05). Overall health care service use declined. There was a significant reduction in school days missed (p< 0.05), the equivalent of 5 school days per child per year. The average cost per family of interventions, was $424 (e.g. mattress and pillow encasements, HEPA vacuum cleaners, air purifiers). Program administrative costs per family were $585 (e.g. enrollment costs, travel time, visit time and documentation). cOnclusiOns: This study provided additional support for the usefulness and success of providing home interventions for low income children who have been diagnosed with asthma. Low cost, targeted interventions led to improvements in HRQOL, decreased health service utilization, increased school attendance and a positive return on investment.