Introducing INHALE: A new CQI focused on lung health

Improving asthma and COPD patient outcomes is the primary goal of a new Collaborative Quality Initiative launching this year. INHALE, short for Inspiring Health Advances in Lung Care, aspires to provide a clear and comprehensive source of education and training so that everyone, from physician to patient, feels empowered to make informed decisions about lung health care and treatment.

INHALE will leverage Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s nationally recognized CQI platform to engage Michigan’s primary care and specialist provider community in collaborating to improve accuracy in diagnosing both asthma and COPD, and to assess the appropriate use of spirometry testing in clinical practice.

Additionally, INHALE will drive the adoption of evidence-based care strategies for the state while simultaneously addressing inequities in care and improving outcomes in Michigan.

Medication-related initiatives will target overuse of both short acting beta agonists and oral corticosteroids by providing education on the risks of overuse and the importance of adherence to maintenance therapies. Robust engagement of providers, patients, families and local community partners will lay the foundation for a statewide network of support so that no one is left without the resources needed to manage their disease alone.

The INHALE coordinating center is based at Michigan Medicine and is led by pulmonologist and severe asthma expert Dr. Njira Lugogo. The team is made up of passionate individuals with expertise in asthma, COPD, pediatrics, clinical data, quality improvement, research and patient education.

Recruitment for INHALE is currently taking place, and the collaborative will officially go live later in 2022. If you have clinical questions or are interested in participating, reach out to the INHALE coordinating center team at contact@inhalecqi.org.

For more information about Blue Cross’ CQI program, email CQIPrograms@bcbsm.com.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.