Meeting Patient Needs in Asthma Education

Abstract

Preventable drug-related morbidity and mortality in asthma patients is related to inappropriate behavior by both patients (noncompliance) and health care professionals (prescribing and monitoring). Compliance is the crucial factor for success of a therapeutic regimen. Impacting factors have been identified as skills in administration techniques, interactions between patients and providers, and patient expectations. Beneficial effects on the cost of care and quality of life are gained from increasing level of care available to patients. Intensive education including development of self-monitoring skills, early treatment of exacerbations, and access to regular outpatient and Emergency Room care have been shown to be effective.