Improving Provider Compliance in the Use of an Asthma Action Plan for Patients With Asthma in an Outpatient Setting

Abstract

Problem: Improved patient asthma outcomes have been demonstrated through the use of a symptom-based written asthma action plan (AAP) in reducing acute care visits (Gibson & Powell, 2004). However, despite the research and guideline recommendations that support the use of AAPs, these plans are routinely not used by providers. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to improve provider compliance in the use of a symptom-based AAP. Methods: A QI project was conducted in an outpatient setting involving an educational in-service on the use of an AAP. A retrospective medical record review was conducted following an educational in-service to assess the use and completeness of the AAP (N = 42). The rate of proportional change in compliance in the use of an AAP after the educational in-service and system procedural change was analyzed and reported. Results: A statistically significant improvement in provider compliance to the use and completion of a symptom-based AAP was found at 8 weeks following an educational in-service and system procedural change. Discussion: This QI project demonstrated the effectiveness of an educational in-service in improving provider compliance in the use of and the completion of a symptom-based AAP.