Analysis of pediatric asthma patients presenting to the emergency room using a web based tracking system

• Published in: Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 2004-02, Vol.113 (2), p.S261-S261
• Main Authors: Kelly, K.J., Walsh-Kelly, C.M., Barthell, E., Rogalinski, S., Christenson, P., Grabowski, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0091-6749; 1097-6825
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2004.01.409

Asthma is the most common chronic disorder of childhood. Annually there are 570,000 emergency department visits for wheezing children less than fifteen years of age. One of the Healthy People 2010 goals is to establish surveillance systems to track asthma management and other issues. Our goal was to develop and implement a pediatric asthma tracking system for emergency departments in a 5 county southeastern Wisconsin region. The ED Allies Tracking System was designed, developed and implemented. Key characteristics of the system include a world-wide-web based system, access from a standard browser, password-protected access, HIPPA compliant security, secure data repository and scalable architecture. Data, users, access and reporting features were defined and incorporated into the system. Eligibility criteria for tracking include: 0–18 years; Wisconsin resident; English reading ability; and either a history of asthma AND presenting respiratory complaints or a presenting complaint of wheezing with no prior asthma diagnosis. Seventy-one data elements were collected including demographic, historical, and ED data. 2,946 visits were entered between 7/15/02 and 7/14/03; 1,919 asthma visits and 1027 wheezing visits. In the asthma group 67% were persistent asthmatics, 27% reported five or more ED visits in the previous year, 52% had required hospitalization, 31% were exposed to tobacco smoke, and 48% indicated they had an asthma care plan. The mean quality of life score on the ITG-ASF was 59.3(+/-23.6). Twenty two percent had more than one ED visit. Tracking of asthma patients who present to the ED has identified key issues for future interventions.