Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the process of case management delivered to Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study participants.
Primary Practice Setting: Participants' homes; community facilities (clinic and library meeting rooms, schools) in a post-Katrina environment.
Methodology and Sample: A qualitative descriptive study consisted of analysis of existing data that describe the case management provided by HEAL asthma counselors to 151 children, aged 4-12 years, with moderate-severe asthma, and their families. The HEAL study (2006-09) was conducted in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina.
Findings/Conclusions: Case management was intensive and comprehensive and consisted of asthma education, symptom management, addressing caretaker/participant/family issues, consistent follow-up, referrals, and goal-setting. Several factors impacted the case management process, including caretaker beliefs, accessibility, and posthurricane issues.
Implications for Case Management Practice: Health care providers must recognize the complexity of case management in a postdisaster environment, consider the influence of social determinants and one's health literacy on asthma treatment adherence and outcomes, and develop models of case management to effectively manage children with asthma and their families.