Understanding personal asthma action plans

Abstract

Personal asthma action plans (PAAPs) are written plans that help people with asthma to self-care and keep themselves as well as possible. PAAPs are usually developed in partnership with the patient or carer in primary care. PAAPs aim to ensure that people with asthma know how to manage their asthma and when to seek help if their condition deteriorates. To manage their asthma adequately at home, patients will need regular education about what asthma is, an understanding of their triggers, how their medications work and managing their devices. The practice nurse can play a key role in developing the PAAP, monitoring asthma control, and subsequently modifying the PAAP if necessary to maintain control of the condition.