Pediatric Asthma Disease Management Program (PADM)
Program Type:
Healthcare Provider, Non-profitContact:
What is PADM?
The Pediatric Asthma Disease Management Program (PADM) at QueensCare Family Clinics offers a state-of-the-art, integrated model of pediatric asthma prevention and treatment. Its purpose is to measurably improve the diagnosis, treatment and control of asthma in QFC’s pediatric patients. PADM is based on the Bureau of Primary Health Care’s Chronic Care Disease Management Model and incorporates national guidelines and “best practices” into its operational modalities.
PADM is led by QFC staff pediatrician Robert Vinetz, MD as its Program and Medical Director. He is supported by Emma Wolfe, MPH, CHES as the Project Director.
Services provided by PADM
The centerpiece of the program is the Community Health Worker (CHW) or Promotora de Salud model. CHWs, who have completed training as Promotoras de Salud (Health Promoter) are recruited from the community. They are bilingual, bicultural and provide culturally sensitive health information. CHWs, under the direction and supervision of pediatricians, work with clinic staff to provide a variety of services to patients, including asthma education, medication and device instruction, case management support and linkages to resources in the community. CHWs also conduct home visits to help the family identify and work on goals to reduce environmental triggers that exacerbate their child''s asthma.
Studies show that when families are educated, empowered and become proactively involved in their child''s asthma control, their children are less likely to go to the emergency room, have less sleepless nights because of coughing, and miss less school days and play activities due to asthma symptoms.
PADM is also designing asthma-specific forms to be used in QFC’s electronic health record, providing support to pediatricians and clinic staff and collaborating with community organizations, such as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, the Breathmobile program and asthma and allergy specialists.