Outcomes in asthma care

Choosing where to bring your child for asthma care is a major decision. You need all the information you can get. And you want it in a clear, straightforward form that helps you make the right choice for your family.

That’s why we share our outcomes with you. In medicine, “outcomes” measure the end results of a treatment. They’re an objective way of gauging how good a clinic is at treating your child’s condition. Minnesota Community Measurement is an organization that looks at how well controlled asthma patients are. You can find our clinic outcomes at mncm.org.

Why do we look at influenza vaccine rates?

Influenza (flu) infection can be more serious for patients with asthma, even if their asthma is mild or their symptoms are well-controlled by medication. Influenza infection in the lungs can trigger a worsening of asthma symptoms. Influenza infection can also lead to pneumonia and allow other acute respiratory illnesses an opportunity to create a secondary infection.

Because of this, it is important for all children 6 months and older with asthma get the influenza vaccine to protect against getting influenza.

Why do we look at Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23) Rates?

Children with asthma may be at increased risk of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae which may include pneumonia, meningitis, or blood stream infections. PPSV23 may provide additional protection against these types of infections. We recommend all children 2 years and older with asthma receive the PPSV23 vaccine.

Finding new ways to improve comfort and care

At Children’s Minnesota, we focus on research and innovations that make a difference at the bedside. From improving day-to-day quality of life for children and teens, to developing new pain management approaches and adopting cutting-edge technologies, our research is completely kid-and-family focused.

Learn more about research at Children’s Minnesota.