Asthma Quality Improvement Resources

QI and PDSA

Quality improvement is used to systematically improve care. Quality improvement seeks to standardize processes to reduce variation, achieve results, and improve health outcomes. 

Here you will find quality improvement tools to successfully implement a QI program at your institution. 

Asthma Management and Guidelines

Asthma guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to ensure the highest-quality asthma care. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) develops clinical practice guidelines based on the best available science. Here you will find trainings and resources to provide best practice care.

Asthma Severity

Assessing asthma severity is the cornerstone of asthma care.  An asthma severity rating guides the healthcare provider to the best treatment for their asthma patient. Here you will find tools to aid in assessing severity, which is done at time of initial diagnosis before beginning therapy.

Asthma Control

Assessing asthma control allows the healthcare provider to determine whether the goals of therapy are being met or whether adjustments in treatment are necessary.  Here you will find tools for determining a patient’s level of asthma control, which is done at every office visit.

Medications

Medication therapy is key to asthma management.  From controller, to relievers, to SMART therapy, here you will find information on respiratory medications for patients with asthma.

Spirometry

Spirometry, or pulmonary function test, is the gold standard for diagnosing asthma.  This objective measure can also guide asthma management.  Here you will find tools for implementing and interpreting spirometry in your practice.

Allergy Testing and Environmental Control

The other half of asthma management is often forgotten.  Identifying what makes your patient’s asthma worse is key to asthma management.  Here you will find information on allergy testing and environmental control.

Tobacco and Vaping

Smoke from cigarettes and vaping devices puts people with asthma at risk for asthma episodes. Secondhand smoke can also exacerbate asthma symptoms. Here you will find tools for cessation and mitigation.

Miscellaneous Resources

In this section you will find meeting slides, technical assistance worksheet, and other supplemental tools or resources not found in the categories above.