#USA #New York #NIH Grant #Montefiore Health #Asthma Care

New $4.1 Million NIH Grant Aims to Improve Asthma Care Coordination for Kids in NYC Schools

A groundbreaking initiative is set to transform asthma care for schoolchildren in New York City. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a substantial grant of $4.1 million to a collaborative project led by Dr. Marina Reznik, vice chair of Clinical and Community-Based Research at Montefiore Hospital. This funding is aimed at enhancing communication and collaboration among primary care providers, families, and schools, ensuring that children can receive effective asthma care right in their educational environment.

The focus of this innovative research is to establish a streamlined process for administering asthma medications at schools, particularly targeting children with persistent or uncontrolled asthma. Currently, the process can be cumbersome, requiring parents and healthcare providers to complete multiple steps, including filling out medication administration forms and submitting them to school nurses. Alarmingly, research has shown that less than one-third of students have the necessary documentation on file, which can delay critical care when asthma symptoms flare up.

Dr. Reznik's new study will build on earlier research that improved the use of national asthma management guidelines by primary care providers. The upcoming initiative will implement a comprehensive electronic system where caregivers can easily fill out and submit necessary documentation online. This system, developed in partnership with the New York City Department of Education, will allow seamless access for both caregivers and clinicians, greatly facilitating the medication process.

Moreover, the study aims to provide additional resources for families through the appointment of Asthma Outreach Workers. These dedicated professionals will serve as the vital link between families, medical teams, and schools, offering telephone-based care coordination and support. Their role is crucial, especially for families who face barriers to obtaining prescriptions or understanding how to use inhalers effectively. This strategic outreach will help families navigate the complexities of asthma management, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for children.

Approximately 400 children ages 4 to 12 from the Montefiore Medical Group clinics are expected to participate in this study. Participants from half of the selected clinics will have access to the proposed online documentation system, which will enable timely medication receipt at school. The remaining clinics will continue with usual care methods. At the conclusion of the study, researchers will analyze the outcomes, comparing the two groups to determine the effectiveness of the new intervention in terms of asthma control, caregiver quality of life, and school attendance.

Dr. Michael D. Cabana, physician-in-chief at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, praised Dr. Reznik for her longstanding commitment to improving asthma care through research and community collaboration, highlighting that this grant not only amplifies her previous efforts but also promises expanded benefits for children struggling with asthma.

The grant, titled “Promoting Asthma Guidelines and Management through Technology-Based Intervention and Care Coordination in Clinics and Schools (PRAGMATIC-S)”, reflects a significant stride in integrating technology with healthcare to foster collaboration and enhance the quality of life for the pediatric population.

About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System stands as one of New York's premier academic health institutions, providing exceptional care to nearly three million individuals across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. With ten hospitals and over 200 outpatient care sites, Montefiore is dedicated to delivering integrated, comprehensive healthcare solutions. The collaboration with Albert Einstein College of Medicine further strengthens its commitment to advanced clinical research focused on improving patient outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.
For more details, you can visit Montefiore's website and follow their updates on social media platforms.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine is renowned for its research and medical education initiatives, fostering innovation in various fields, including asthma care, genetics, and public health disparities. With substantial NIH funding and dedicated faculty, Einstein remains at the forefront of medical education and translational research aimed at benefitting patient care.