By The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF), September 26, 2013
Summary of CPSTF Finding
The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends the use of home-based multi-trigger, multicomponent interventions with an environmental focus for children and adolescents with asthma based on strong evidence of effectiveness in improving overall quality of life and productivity, specifically:
- Improving asthma symptoms
- Reducing the number of school days missed due to asthma
About The Systematic Review
The CPSTF finding is based on evidence from a systematic review of 22 studies (search period 1966 – February 2008).
The systematic review was conducted on behalf of the CPSTF by a team of specialists in systematic review methods, and in research, practice, and policy related to asthma control.
Summary of Results
Twenty-two studies qualified for the effectiveness review.
- Asthma symptom days: median decrease of 21 days per year (6 studies)
- School days missed: median decrease of 12 days per year (5 studies)
- Acute healthcare visits: combined median decrease of 0.57 visits per year (10 studies)
- Hospitalizations: median decrease of 0.4 hospitalizations per year
- Emergency department visits: median decrease of 0.2 visits per year
- Unscheduled office visits: median decrease of 0.5 visits per year
- Pulmonary function: overall, no significant improvement (7 studies)
Task Force Finding and Rationale Statement
Intervention Definition
These interventions involve trained personnel making one or more home visits to conduct activities within the home. These activities focus on reducing exposures to a range of asthma triggers (allergens and irritants) through environmental assessment, education, and remediation. Most programs include additional components, such as self-management training, social support, and coordinated care, in conjunction with efforts to reduce asthma triggers in the home environment.