Alan P. Baptist, MD, MPH

Asthma is a major health problem in the United States and it disproportionately affects older adults. Up to 40% of adults with asthma have their first attack after the age of 40. Under-diagnosis and delayed initiation of care for asthma is common and can have dire consequences in the elderly. We constructed a behavioral intervention that improved asthma control, quality of life, and exacerbations for adults over age 55 with asthma. The intervention follows a process based on the self-regulation theory of behavioral change. This is a system of conscious personal management that involves the process of guiding one’s own thoughts, behaviors and feelings to reach goals. To evaluate if this can be implemented remotely and on a wider scale, and through multiple health systems, we will conduct a pilot study at three distinct health centers to identify and overcome challenges.