Program Design: An AOW program was implemented by a community-based asthma partnership. The partnership’s goal was to reduce asthma morbidity in high-risk children using an AOW model that incorporates asthma management and home environment changes. AOW activities included reinforcing the health provider’s asthma management plan through in-home asthma education, reviewing medications and administration techniques, communicating with providers, assessing the home environment, assisting families in making changes to reduce asthma triggers, and referring families to resources. AOW services included an average of two home visits and two phone calls over four weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Baseline and follow-up surveys (at one year and two years following AOW services) were conducted with 105 families who had a child with asthma to determine use of asthma management plans, quality of life, and home environmental changes to reduce asthma triggers.

Findings: At one year following AOW services, use of asthma management plans increased and quality of life improved. All families made changes to improve the home environment (i.e. cleaning practices, smoking outside, removing mold, increasing ventilation). Almost all families reported that the home environmental assessment helped improve their child’s asthma. Families reported high satisfaction with the AOW. Two year follow-up of families’ perceived benefits of AOW also supports the effectiveness of the AOW program.

Conclusion: Community outreach workers can be useful strategy to assist families in managing their child’s asthma.

Implications: Community strategies and care models that enhance self-management of health and illness can improve functional and clinical outcomes for children with asthma.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004