This could save children from asthma.
Researchers have created a digital tool designed to identify children at risk of developing asthma by analyzing existing electronic health records. This tool calculates an asthma risk score using information already collected during routine pediatric visits, making it easy to implement without adding extra work for healthcare providers. The aim is to enable earlier identification of children who may develop asthma, allowing for timely interventions that could improve disease management and reduce hospital visits.
In a study involving over 69,000 children born in Indiana between 2010 and 2017, the tool was shown to be more effective than previous risk assessments. It successfully predicted asthma development by age three in a higher percentage of children who were later diagnosed. The research also found that prior illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis are strong indicators of future asthma risk, providing valuable insights into early warning signs.
The tool’s design leverages routinely collected health data, making it highly scalable and practical for widespread use in clinical settings. By automating risk detection without requiring additional effort from medical staff, it offers a streamlined approach to improving asthma care. Early diagnosis can help families better manage triggers and adhere to treatment plans, potentially leading to better health outcomes for children.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to conduct a randomized clinical trial to test whether using the tool in practice increases the rate of early asthma diagnosis among high-risk children. If the trial confirms its effectiveness, the team hopes to expand the tool’s use at a broader scale, aiming for state-wide and eventually national implementation. This approach could have a significant impact on pediatric public health by catching asthma risks earlier and improving care delivery.
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