Asthma Education

Asthma M.A.T.C.H.

Kids’ Health Connections provides the Managing Asthma Through Case-management in Homes (MATCH) program to patients referred by healthcare providers and Medicaid Health Plans. The MATCH model, developed by the Asthma Network of West Michigan and in place in several communities across Michigan, works to improve a patient’s asthma knowledge, their asthma control, and their quality of life. In addition, it seeks to resolve psychosocial barriers to asthma management, improve communication with the child’s school, the parent’s workplace and the treating physician. It has been shown to reduce missed days from school, decrease hospitalizations and ER visits and improve asthma control.

Children are referred to KHC through emergency departments, partnering physicians, and by health plans. Over the course of 6 months, the assigned asthma educator provides families with 4-6 home visits along with a school visit. In addition, the asthma educator accompanies the family to one physician visit to help close the communication loop.

Our asthma educators work with the families to obtain an asthma action plan from their healthcare providers. At each visit, our asthma educators reinforce education, provide resources, check adherence to the asthma management plan, and assist with medical follow ups. The curriculum focuses on the pathophysiology of asthma, triggers in the home and environment, and proper use of medication.

• Childcare Provider Training (Little Lungs)
• Asthma Education in school settings for both staff and students