With the American Lung Association calling asthma the most common chronic disorder of childhood, it’s no surprise that pediatric asthma is the leading cause of hospital stays for kids. Although there is no known cure for asthma, understanding the condition’s symptoms, triggers, treatment tools and management strategies can improve the health of asthma patients.Engaging patients and their families with the GetWell Town Asthma Care Plan prepares patients and families for managing the condition at home with fewer hospital stays and emergency department visits. 

Healthier Patients Post-Discharge

The GetWell Town Asthma Care Plan is a comprehensive four phase education curriculum that leverages award winning asthma education videos from KidsHealth^®. Each phase educates patients on key concepts that prepare patients for managing their condition at home.

The patient and family progress through the four phases at their own pace. Upon completing the four phases of the GetWell Town Asthma Care Plan, patients and families leave the hospital with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage the condition at home. Because the patient is encouraged to complete their take-home management plan, hospitals can increase compliance with Children’s Asthma Care Measure #3 (Home Management Plan of Care Given to Patient/Caregiver).

Fewer Readmissions and ED Visits

According to research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, children with even the mildest chronic asthma severity classification — mild intermittent — constitute a large proportion of emergency department pediatric asthma patients. These emergency department visits are primarily caused by the patient and family's lack of knowledge or inability to effectively manage their asthma at home.

Patients and families that complete the GetWell Town Asthma Care Plan are better able to recognize symptoms and avoid triggers, understand the medications and tools that can help maintain a healthier lifestyle, and visit the hospital less often.

Track Patient Progress

Nurses and Staff can access patient progress reports at the bedside or at the nurse station through the GetWellNetwork Management Console. Progress reports reveal which items in each phase have been completed — allowing staff to help patients stay on course and gauge the patient’s discharge readiness to reduce discharge delays.