Table 2 Decision problem framework for the primary prevention of asthma in children

Objective(s)

To reduce the incidence of asthma diagnosis in children

To reduce the costs associated with asthma health care

To determine the value of first-degree familial asthma history as a risk indicator

Audience/Stakeholder(s)

Primary care givers (primary care or welfare centre physicians, midwives, and general practice/medical assistants) and Medical specialists (pulmonology and paediatrics)

Perspective

Healthcare system

Analytic time horizon

Up to six years after birth

Intervention(s)

Multifaceted primary prevention

Unifaceted primary prevention

Comparator

Usual care

Target population

Unborn child

Effect outcome(s)

Objective diagnosis of asthma

Secondary: Functional status; Serum IgE levels as index of exposure to allergens from house dust mites, cats, and dogs

Cost(s)

Direct health care costs;

Intervention costs

Economic evaluation

Cost-effectiveness