Embracing Non-Physician-Driven Pediatric Asthma Protocols

Abstract

Pediatric asthma causes a substantial burden to patients, families, and the health care system. Suboptimal patient outcomes, disparities in care, and overall costs are, at least in part, driven by high variability in care within and between institutions. This review investigates some of the ways that protocols and care pathways can help improve outcomes in pediatric asthma, including engaging nonphysician expertise to advance care. An appraisal of the available evidence assessing the utility of these protocols supports the standardization of asthma care for children, particularly during exacerbations.

Keywords: asthma; pediatric; quality improvement; respiratory therapy; status asthmaticus.