Adapting an Evidence-Based Pediatric Acute Asthma Exacerbation Severity Assessment Tool for Pediatric Primary Care

Abstract

Introduction: The purposes of this project were (a) to examine criteria derived from evidence-based pediatric acute asthma exacerbation assessment tools, asthma scores, and the acute asthma prediction rule validated and used in the emergency department and (b) to adapt these criteria for pediatric primary care.

Method: The three stages of the project included (a) identification of criteria in a literature review, (b) validation of the criteria by an expert panel, and (c) adaptation of the criteria in the design of an assessment tool.

Results: The criteria were validated and adapted in the design of The Pediatric Acute Asthma Exacerbation Severity Assessment and Disposition Decision-Making Tool for Pediatric Primary Care.

Discussion: The adaptation of criteria derived from the evidence and validated by an expert panel will inform and guide clinicians in assessing severity and support decision making in determining disposition of pediatric patients presenting with an acute asthma exacerbation in primary care.

Keywords: Acute asthma exacerbation; assessment tool; asthma score; primary care; severity assessment.