This month's Professional Case Management features an article co-authored by Dr. Lisa Linville on the process of case management delivered to participants in Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL).  The qualitative descriptive study consisted of analysis of existing data that describe the case management provided by HEAL asthma counselors to 151 children, aged 4–12 years, with moderate-severe asthma, and their families. The HEAL study (2006–09) was conducted in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina. Case management was intensive and comprehensive and consisted of asthma education, symptom management, addressing caretaker/participant/family issues, consistent follow-up, referrals, and goal-setting. Several factors impacted the case management process, including caretaker beliefs, accessibility, and post-hurricane issues. This study is important because health care providers must recognize the complexity of case management in a post-disaster environment, consider the influence of social determinants and one's health literacy on asthma treatment adherence and outcomes, and develop models of case management to effectively manage children with asthma and their families.

Congratulations to Dr. Linville for this very relevant study!

Sterling, Y. M.,& Linville, L. J.  (2015).  A qualitative study of case management of children with asthma.   Professional Case Management, 20(1), 30-39.