Reducing Environmental Triggers of Asthma
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Reducing Environmental Triggers of Asthma (RETA) is a home intervention to control environmental exposures to allergens and irritants that may cause or exacerbate asthma. Families with a child under the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with persistent asthma and is on daily preventative medications are qualified for the program. Families are referred to the program through medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and the Minneapolis Public School District. The program serves primarily minority urban populations living in rental housing in Minneapolis and St. Paul. A respiratory therapist certified in asthma education provides in-home assessment and asthma education. A family-specific intervention including education and appropriate materials is developed following the initial home visit. RETA addresses environmental factors in the home using inexpensive, simple interventions such as HEPA air cleaners, HEPA vacuum cleaners, and pillow and mattress dust encasements.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the Reducing Environmental Triggers of Asthma intervention is to improve asthma control by removing environmental allergens and irritants from the home.
Results / Accomplishments
In a study comparing baseline measurements to a 12-month follow-up, participants with asthma had significant declines in unscheduled office visits (from 1.8 to 0.1 visits/three months, p < 0.05) and use of oral prednisone (from 1.3 to 0.2 therapy regimens, p < 0.05). Hospital visits in the three months preceding the survey also declined (from 0.7 to 0.1 visits) but this change was not significant. The number of school days missed declined significantly from 7 days to less than 1 day (p < 0.05). Participants also had significant improvements in daytime symptom and functional limitation scores. The intervention results in an estimated savings of approximately $1,960 per child through reduced health services expenses.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Minnesota Department of Health Asthma Program
Primary Contact
Asthma Program
Minnesota Department of Health
Golden Rule Bldg.
85 East 7th Place
P.O. Box 64882
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0882
651-201-5000
health.asthma@state.mn.us
http://www.health.state.mn.us/asthma
Minnesota Department of Health
Golden Rule Bldg.
85 East 7th Place
P.O. Box 64882
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0882
651-201-5000
health.asthma@state.mn.us
http://www.health.state.mn.us/asthma
Topics
Health / Children's Health
Health / Respiratory Diseases
Environmental Health / Toxins & Contaminants
Health / Respiratory Diseases
Environmental Health / Toxins & Contaminants
Organization(s)
Minnesota Department of Health Asthma Program
Date of publication
Sep 2007
Date of implementation
2005
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Minnesota
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Racial/Ethnic Minorities