MCDIN - Asthma (Main)

In this section you can reference guidelines and relevant clinical information, Clip-art of folder travelling down a road.

review models for care, and access data to help you work more effectively with your patients, colleagues, and community. Listed here are "Quick Tips " submitted by healthcare professionals across the region. We have screened all of the materials in the Asthma Information Center for accuracy and relevance. If you are looking for something in particular that is not available here, search the MCDIN databases, or contact our Clearinghouse Administrator.

Grant Opportunity:

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts seeks to improve the health of vulnerable individuals in 60 cities across central MA. The foundation gives approximately $25 million annually, 80% through its Synergy Initiative, which funds integrated, comprehensive strategies designed to redress health disparities by improving access to care and promoting healthy lifestyles. The foundation believes integration is the key because the determinants of health care are medical care, socioeconomic status, environment, genetics, lifestyle, and behavior.

The foundation requests that potential applicants contact foundation staff before submitting letter of intent which are due at any time.

Information: Health Foundation of Central Mass, 255 Park Ave.,
10th Fl., Worcester, MA 01609, 508-797-3010.

Quick Tips
Tip	Submitted by:
Tips for Conducting Medical Chart Review: Assessing Quality of Primary Care Through Medical Record Review: Lessons & Opportunities - June 2000	Office of Health Policy Jefferson Medical College 1015 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA
Using a Compressor- Driven Nebulizer for Children and Adults: For best effect, make sure breathing in takes longer than breathing out and you are breathing at the slowest rate possible.	Thomas F. Plaut, M.D. Author of "One Minute Asthma: What you Need to Know"
Pediatric Asthma Tip: 1. Spacers require that you take a deep breath and hold to a count of 10. Developmentally most children cannot do this before the age of 6. For those children there are spacers with a tight-sealing face mask so they only have to do 5-7 breaths for each puff. 2. If you are getting resistance from your younger child about taking their maintenance asthma medications, both the nebulizer or a masked spacer can be used while a sound sleeper is sleeping.	Rhoda Spaulding, MSN, FNP UMASS-Memorial Health Care University Campus - Rm S5-860 Pediatric Pulmonary, Asthma & Cystic Fibrosis Center 55 Lake Avenue, North Worcester, MA 01655 (508) 856-4155
What to tell your asthma patients: 1) If you feel an asthma episode coming on, use deep breathing. Slow deep breaths can calm you down and keep you in control while you seek treatment. 2) Learn your "triggers" and avoid them. Keep track of your episodes noting your situation at the time. Then, study the list to determine the common factor with each episode. If possible, avoid or alter these situations.	Caroline Faulkingham, RRT Program Coordinator/ Health Reach Respiratory a collaborative effort by area physicians at the Exeter Hospital, Exeter Health Care, Rockingham VNA & Hospice, and Exeter Hospital Associates. Contact: 1-800-4-EXETER
Spacer Tip: Remember to order a SPACER for every child who needs a medication delivered by metered dose inhaler.	Pat Heinrich, RN, BSN Quality Improvement Specialist National Initiative for Child Health Care Quality Institute for Health Care Improvement 135 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02215

Note: "Quick Tips" are intended for general information purposes. They may not be suitable for all asthma patients.

"Sharing approaches...improving lives"

Welcome to the Asthma Information Center:

Massachusetts Chronic Disease Improvement Network