The Implementation of Global Asthma Management Guidelines in Two General Respiratory Outpatient Clinics in Greece

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The implementation of global guidelines for asthma management aims at asthma control. The aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of asthma management guidelines by both patients and physicians in two general pulmonary outpatient clinics in Greece. METHODS: Two questionnaires were administered to pulmonologists (n=43) and patients (n=181) separately. Asthma control was assessed by Asthma Control Test. RESULTS: All physicians informed their patients about asthma and suggested regular visits. The vast majority educated their patients to recognize symptom deterioration (n=42, 97.7%) and asthma triggers (n=41, 95.3%), to readjust treatment (n=41, 95.3%) and use correctly the inhaler devices (n=40, 93%). Greek pulmonologists suggested physical activity (n=40, 93%), peak flow meter use (n=13, 30.2%) and asthma physiotherapy (n=10, 23.3%), while 13 (30.2%) provided a written action plan. Among 181 participants with asthma, 41 (22.7%) had hyperventilation, while 117 (64.6%), mostly young men, had controlled asthma with high FEV1% predicted and without hyperventilation. Only 21 (11.6%) visited the emergency room in the past 6 months, while 98 (54.1%) had regular follow-up. They had developed a partnership with their physician (n=151, 83.4%) and confirmed their response to education on asthma triggers (n=156, 86.2%), symptom deterioration (n=171, 94.5%), inhaler medication technique (n=168, 92.8%) and peak flow meter use (n=40, 22.1%). Moreover, 118 (65.2%) patients recognized medication categories and 34 (18.8%) had a written action plan. They complied with physical activity suggestion (n=141, 77.9%), while 11 (6.1%) have performed breathing exercises. CONCLUSION: The recommendations for asthma management are significantly integrated into clinical practice in Greece, leading to high prevalence of asthma control.