Changing Policy

In February 2010, the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Health Policy (GWU) released Changing pO2licy: The Elements for Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes (Changing pO2licy). The report was released with support from the Merck Childhood Asthma Network (MCAN) and the RCHN Community Health Foundation and provides a comprehensive look at childhood asthma prevalence, risk factors and disparities; describes best practices for clinical care and disease management; and outlines evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of childhood asthma.

The report identified five essential elements for improving asthma outcomes in children, including: (1) stable and continuous health insurance; (2) high quality clinical care, case management, and asthma education available for all children, including those who remain ineligible for insurance coverage; (3) the ability to continuously exchange information and monitor progress, using health information technology (HIT) as much as possible; (4) reducing asthma triggers in homes and communities; and (5) learning what works and increasing knowledge. Please see the attached document for further information on this landmark report.