Steroid Stewardship – Survey Results & Awareness Strategies

Abstract

The most common treatment for severe asthma is the prescription of oral corticosteroids (OCS) but even short-term low-dose use of OCS can result in serious health problems. Side effects are significant in both short-term and long-term use and are pronounced in disparate communities. Key messages have been developed by an interprofessional work group to address the OCS stewardship issues.An additional Awareness Campaign has been developed to address the need to educate patients on the side effects of long-term steroid use. Key messages address people with asthma in minority or low-income communities related to outcomes, death rates and emergency room visits and may be worse during the flu season with the presence of COVID-19.Messaging also contains that while OCS can be an important tool in care, during COVID-19, their use may prevent hospitalization and stresses the importance of primary care or specialist care. OCS has historically been overused, with significant side effects in an already vulnerable population.With awareness and stewardship, asthma treatment can meet patient needs and provide healthy outcomes for every patient, regardless of race, geographic location or income.