A structured discharge package given by a nurse reduced hospital readmission in children with asthma
Design
Randomised (concealed), unblinded, controlled trial with 6 months follow up.
Setting
A children's hospital in Leicester, UK.
Patients
160 children who were 2-16 years of age (median age 6 y, 61% boys) and were admitted to hospital with acute asthma. Follow up was 100% for readmission and emergency visits after discharge and 97% for consultation with GPs.
Intervention
Children were allocated to receive structured discharge packages (n=80) or usual discharge practices (n=80) at the time of discharge. A specialist nurse gave the structured discharge package, which consisted of a 20 minute interview in which information was given about the nature of asthma, how to recognise and avoid risk factors, and available drugs and devices. For each child, an individual, written, home management plan was devised. Short courses …
