Practice variations in treating urban minority asthmatics in Chicago

Michael McDermott*, Julio Silva, Robert Rydman, Aida L. Giachello, Everildes Yarzagaray, Don Robinson, Nilda Peragallo, Hilda Barquero, Jose O. Arrom

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explores provider adherence to national guidelines in treating Latino and African-American asthmatics. We hypothesized that there would be more variations in asthma treatment existing for minorities as a result of variation in physician's adherent to the guidelines. A 96-item survey was administered to 138 Latino and African-American asthmatics attending a hospital emergency department. Data were obtained on demography, severity, access, patient satisfaction, and patient's assessment of physician asthma management. Results were analyzed by ethnicity, gender, practice site of regular provider, and severity. Variation in physician practice was found in these variables. Asthma treatment received by Latino and African-American respondents was deficient compared to guidelines. Regression analyses showed that Latinos fared more poorly on the number of prednisone bursts taken, use of written crisis plans and dispensation of peak flow meters controlling for gender, practice site and severity. African-Americans expressed less dissatisfaction in obtaining services, while both groups expressed high degrees of satisfaction with their providers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)255-266
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Medical Systems
Volume20
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1996

Keywords

  • Asthma
  • Hispanic/Latino minorities health
  • practice guidelines
  • practice variation
  • urban health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Information Systems
  • Health Information Management
  • Health Informatics
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)

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