Impact of Standardized Discharge Guidelines on Outpatient Follow-Up for Pediatric Asthma Patients: A Retrospective Study

Introduction Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition and a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization. Asthma education and proper follow-up after discharge improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations. This study evaluates whether standardized discharge guidelines improved outpatient follow-up. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on pediatric patients hospitalized with asthma between March 10 and September 9, 2024, for the pre-intervention period and between September 10, 2024, and March 10, 2025, for the post-intervention period. Outcomes from the six months before implementation of the new asthma discharge guidelines on September 10, 2024 (n = 86), were compared with those from the six months after implementation (n = 77). Primary outcomes were defined as whether referrals and scheduled follow-ups with primary care physicians (PCPs) and/or specialists were provided at discharge. Results Implementation of the consensus was not associated with significant changes in PCP follow-up timing or scheduling. The median time to the PCP appointment did not significantly differ between groups and remained three days before and after the intervention (p = 0.4959). Rates of scheduled PCP follow-up at discharge were not significantly different (52.33% vs. 42.86%; p = 0.2270). In contrast, scheduled specialist follow-up at discharge significantly improved (12.79% vs. 46.75%; p < 0.0001), as did the scheduling of specialist appointments within 30 days of discharge (13.95% vs. 33.77%; p = 0.0001). Conclusion The standardized discharge protocol correlated with more timely, scheduled follow-up with specialists. Future studies should evaluate whether the increase in specialist appointments reduces future asthma exacerbations and hospital admissions.