Asthma education: an essential component in asthma management

Effectiveness of an online asthma education program in adults with asthma in general practice: Results from a cluster randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Asthma education programs (AEPs) are crucial to improving patient outcomes, but few patients participate. Therefore, an online asthma education program (electronic AEP, eAEP) has been developed. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the eAEP in adults with asthma in terms of asthma knowledge, symptom control and emergency treatments.

METHODS

In a cluster randomised controlled trial, general practitioner (GP) practices were randomly assigned to either access to the intervention (eAEP), or usual care (UC) control. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, two weeks, three and six months. Primary endpoint was the difference in Asthma Knowledge Test (AKT) scores after completion of the eAEP/UC. Secondary outcomes included symptom control (Asthma Control Test, ACT) and emergency treatments.

FINDINGS

62 patients from 10 intervention practices and 46 patients from 11 control practices were analysed. The intervention group had significantly greater improvements in mean AKT scores (between-group adjusted mean difference (AMD), 9.3 (95 % CI 6.3-12.3), p < 0.001) at the primary endpoint. Differences remained relatively stable during the six-month follow-up. Between-group AMD in the ACT was 1.4 (95 % CI -0.1-2.8, p < 0.062) three months after the eAEP/UC and 1.6 (95 % CI 0.2-2.9, p < 0.023) at study end. More intervention group patients demonstrated the inhalation technique correctly (98 % vs. 79 %, p = 0.007), received peak expiratory flow instructions (94 % vs. 32 %, p < 0.001) and an asthma action plan (96 % vs. 50 %, p < 0.001).

INTERPRETATION

The eAEP was effective in improving knowledge over six months and showed beneficial effects on symptom control. The eAEP may contribute to improved asthma care in GP settings.

Home-based educational interventions for children with asthma

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic airway condition with a global prevalence of 262.4 million people. Asthma education is an essential component of management and includes provision of information on the disease process and self-management skills development such as trigger avoidance. Education may be provided in various settings. The home setting allows educators to reach populations (e.g. financially poor) that may experience barriers to care (e.g. transport limitations) within a familiar environment, and allows for avoidance of attendance at healthcare settings. However, it is unknown if education delivered in the home is superior to usual care or the same education delivered elsewhere. There are large variations in asthma education programmes (e.g. patient-specific content versus broad asthma education, number/frequency/duration of education sessions). This is an update of the 2011 review with 14 new studies added.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of educational interventions for asthma, delivered in the home to children, their caregivers, or both, on asthma-related outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Airways Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, two additional databases and two clinical trials registries. We searched reference lists of included trials/review articles (last search October 2022), and contacted authors of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials of education delivered in the home to children and adolescents (aged two to 18 years) with asthma, their caregivers or both. We included self-management programmes, delivered face-to-face and aimed at changing behaviour (e.g. medication/inhaler technique education). Eligible control groups were usual care, waiting list or less-intensive education (e.g. shorter, fewer sessions) delivered outside or within the home. We excluded studies with mixed-disease populations and without a face-to-face component (e.g. telephone only).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed trial quality, extracted data and used GRADE to rate the certainty of the evidence. We contacted study authors for additional information. We pooled continuous data with mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used a random-effects model and performed sensitivity analyses with a fixed-effect model. When combining dichotomous and continuous data, we used generic inverse variance, using a Peto odds ratio (OR) and fixed-effect model. Primary outcomes were exacerbations leading to emergency department visits and exacerbations requiring a course of oral corticosteroids. Six months was the primary time point for outcomes. The summary of findings tables reported on the primary outcomes, and quality of life, daytime symptoms, days missed from school and exacerbations leading to hospitalisations.

MAIN RESULTS

This review includes 26 studies with 5122 participants (14 studies and 2761 participants new to this update). Sixteen studies (3668 participants) were included in meta-analyses. There was substantial clinical diversity. Participants differed in age (range 1 to 18 years old) and asthma severity (mild to severe). The context and content of educational interventions also varied, as did the aims of the studies (e.g. reducing healthcare utilisation, improving quality of life) and there was diversity in control group event rates. Outcomes were measured over various time points specified in the original studies. All studies were at risk of bias due to the nature of the intervention. It is possible that the participants/educators may not have been aware of their allocation, so all studies were judged at unclear risk for performance bias. Home-based education versus usual care, waiting list or less-intensive education programme delivered outside the home Primary outcomes Home-based education may result in little to no difference in exacerbations leading to emergency department visits at six-month follow-up compared to control, but the evidence is very uncertain (Peto OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.94; 5 studies (2 studies with 2 intervention arms), 855 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Home-based education results in little to no difference in exacerbations requiring a course of oral corticosteroids compared to control (mean difference (MD) -0.18, 95% CI -0.63 to 0.26; 1 study (2 intervention arms), 250 participants; low-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomes Home-based education may improve quality-of-life scores compared to control, but the evidence is very uncertain (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.32, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.56; 4 studies, 987 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of home-based education on mean symptom-free days, days missed from school/work and exacerbations leading to hospitalisation compared to control (all very low-certainty evidence). Home-based education versus less-intensive home-based education for children with asthma Primary outcomes A more-intensive home-based education intervention did not reduce exacerbations leading to emergency department visits (Peto OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.35 to 5.30; 4 studies, 729 participants; low-certainty evidence) or exacerbations requiring a course of oral corticosteroids (MD 0.08, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.30; 3 studies, 605 participants; low-certainty evidence), compared to a less-intensive type of home-based education. Secondary outcomes A more-intensive home-based asthma education intervention may reduce hospitalisation due to an asthma exacerbation (Peto OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.55; 4 studies, 689 participants; low-certainty evidence), but not days missed from school (low-certainty evidence), compared with a less-intensive home-based asthma education intervention. A more intensive home-based education intervention had no effect on quality of life and symptom-free days (both very low certainty), compared with a less-intensive home-based asthma education intervention, but the evidence is very uncertain.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found uncertain evidence for home-based asthma educational interventions compared to usual care, education delivered outside the home or a less-intensive educational intervention. Home-based education may improve quality of life compared to control and reduce the odds of hospitalisation compared to less-intensive educational intervention. Although asthma education is recommended in guidelines, the considerable diversity in the studies makes the evidence difficult to interpret about whether home-based education is superior to none, or education delivered in another setting. This review contributes limited information on the fundamental optimum content and setting for educational interventions in children. Further studies should use standard outcomes from this review and design trials to determine what components of an education programme are most important.

Assessing the implementation of a tertiary care comprehensive pediatric asthma education program using electronic medical records and decision support tools

BACKGROUND

Self-management education is integral for proper asthma management. However, there is an accessibility gap to self-management education following asthma hospitalizations. Most pediatric patients and their families receive suboptimal or no education.

OBJECTIVE

To implement a comprehensive pediatric asthma education program and evaluate subsequent self-management knowledge in patients as well as behavior change outcomes reflected in the frequency of asthma related repeat emergency department visits and hospitalization. The program implementation was informed by the Knowledge to Translation Action Framework and the i-PARIHS model for quality improvement and involved several iterative stages.

METHODS

We implemented a comprehensive asthma education program for the families of all children 0-18 years old who had been admitted for an asthma exacerbation to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), beginning on April 1, 2018. The program was adapted to the stages of the Knowledge Translation to Action Framework including undertaking an environmental scan, expert stakeholder feedback, reviews, addressing barriers, and tailoring the intervention, along with evaluating knowledge and health outcomes. Education was delivered over 1-2 h in personalized individual or small group settings, within 4 wk of hospital discharge. All education was provided by registered nurses or respiratory therapists who were also certified asthma educators. The EPIC electronic medical record was used to facilitate referral and scheduling of asthma education sessions, and to track subsequent acute asthma visits. We compared the frequency of a repeat asthma emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization within 1-year following an initial asthma hospitalization for children who would have received comprehensive asthma education, to a historical cohort of children who were hospitalized between April 9, 2017 - Apr 8, 2018, and did not receive asthma education.

RESULTS

The program had a high enrollment, capturing nearly 75% of the target population. Most families found the program to be acceptable and reported increased knowledge of how to manage asthma. We identified a crude overall 54% reduction in repeat hospitalizations among children 1 year after implementation of the asthma education program (i.e. 10.2% (23/225) repeat hospitalization rate pre- implementation versus 4.8% (11/227) post-implementation). In adjusted time-to event analysis, this reduction was prominent at 3 months among those who received comprehensive asthma education, relative to those who did not, but this improvement was not sustained by 1 year (HR =1.1, 95% CI =0.55- 2.05; p-value = 0.6).

DISCUSSION

Although we did not find long-term improvements in ED visits, or hospitalizations, in children of caregivers who participated in comprehensive asthma education, the asthma education program holds potential given that most patients found it to be acceptable and that it increased asthma management knowledge. A future asthma education program should include multiple sessions to ensure that the knowledge and behavior change will be sustained, leading ultimately to long-term reductions in repeat ED visits and hospitalizations.

Exploring Experiences and Asthma Management Among Middle Eastern Arabic-Speaking Migrants and Refugees with Asthma: A Qualitative Study

Purpose

Effective asthma management relies on individuals' knowledge, inhaler technique, and perceptions of asthma and medications. Investigating barriers and enablers to optimal asthma management is vital. This research pursues a comprehensive understanding of asthma control, asthma-related experiences, perceptions, inhaler technique, and knowledge among Arabic-speaking Middle Eastern migrants and refugees living in Australia. Furthermore, it aims to explore the factors influencing optimal asthma management within this demographic.

Patients and Methods

This study involved interviews with 17 participants, with nine identified as migrants and eight as refugees. All participants were Arabic-speaking Middle Eastern individuals residing in Australia and diagnosed with asthma. Interviews were thematically analysed, and findings were presented following the guidelines of the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Results

The thematic analysis yielded five key themes: (1) asthma experiences; (2) participant perspectives on asthma; (3) asthma management; (4) asthma health literacy; and (5) strategies to overcome obstacles in asthma management. Some disparities were noted between refugees and migrants in terms of their comprehension and views on asthma, medications use, interactions with healthcare providers, and inhaler technique. Refugees experienced more psychological distress and lacked social support, while migrants were more concerned about long-term medication use and preferred specialised care.

Conclusion

This research addresses a knowledge gap concerning asthma control among Middle Eastern immigrants. It provides insights into their beliefs and medication adherence. It underscores the importance of considering the unique characteristics of Middle Eastern migrants and refugees when delivering healthcare interventions to enhance overall health and medication adherence within these populations. To address these differences, the study recommends tailored education, specialised clinics, and culturally relevant asthma management plans to enhance self-management support for both groups. Future studies should explore the impact of modifying beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge regarding medications and asthma to enhance asthma management within this population.

Evaluating inhaler education interventions for hospitalized children with asthma: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Most children with asthma have poor inhaler technique, with detrimental morbidity effects. Guidelines recommend clinicians provide inhaler education at every opportunity, yet resources are limited. A low-cost, technology-based intervention-Virtual Teach-to-Goal (V-TTG)-was developed to deliver tailored inhaler technique education with high fidelity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether V-TTG leads to less inhaler misuse among children with asthma who are hospitalized vs brief intervention (BI, reading steps aloud).

METHODS

A single-center randomized controlled trial of V-TTG vs BI was conducted with 5-to-10-year-old children with asthma hospitalized between January 2019 and February 2020. Inhaler technique was assessed pre- and post-education using 12-step validated checklists (misuse: < 10 steps correct).

RESULTS

Among 70 children enrolled, mean age was 7.8 years (SD = 1.6). Most (86%) were Black. Most had an emergency department visit (94%) or hospitalization (90%) in the previous year. At baseline, nearly all children misused inhalers (96%). The proportion of children with inhaler misuse decreased significantly in V-TTG (100%→74%, P = .002) and BI (92%→69%, P = .04) groups, with no difference between groups at both time points (P = .2 and .9). On average, children performed 1.5 more steps correctly (SD = 2.0), with greater improvement with V-TTG (mean [SD] = 1.7 [1.6]) vs BI (mean [SD] = 1.4 [2.3]), though not significant (P = .6). Concerning pre and post technique, older children were significantly more likely than younger children to show more correct steps (mean change = 1.9 vs 1.1, P = .002).

CONCLUSION

A technology-based intervention for tailored inhaler education led to improved technique among children, similarly to reading steps aloud. Older children saw greater benefits. Future studies should evaluate the V-TTG intervention across diverse populations and disease severities to identify the greatest impact.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04373499.

SABAs as Reliever Medications in Asthma Management: Evidence-Based Science

The role of as-needed inhaled short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) in the management of asthma has become a subject of debate due to differing opinions in the professional community relating to the use of SABAs. In this article, we summarize the current position of SABAs when used as reliever medications and examine the challenges to appropriate use including a critique of the data that have led to the condemnation of SABA used as a reliever. We consider the evidence for the appropriate use of SABA as a reliever together with practical solutions to ensure such use, including identifying patients at risk of misusing their SABA relievers and managing issues of inhaler technique and treatment adherence. We conclude that inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-based maintenance treatment with SABA used as-needed as a reliever is an effective and safe treatment for patients with asthma, with no scientific evidence of a causal link between SABA use as a reliever and mortality or serious adverse events (including exacerbations). Increased SABA use warns of a deterioration in asthma control, and patients at risk of misusing their ICS and SABA medication should be rapidly identified to ensure they are receiving adequate ICS-based controller therapy. Appropriate use of ICS-based controller therapy and as-needed SABA should be encouraged and promoted with educational activities.

The usefulness of YouTube videos as a source of information in asthma

BACKGROUND

Patient education is a key element in the management of asthma.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the popularity and usefulness of YouTube videos on asthma.

METHODS

Two authors screened and evaluated the 200 most popular videos. Data on likes, dislikes, views, comment, source of uploader, days since upload, and usefulness were recorded and included for analyses. The usefulness of the videos was categorized as follows: useful, misleading, or neutral. Misleading videos provided at least one scientifically incorrect detail, whereas useful videos contained scientifically correct information.

RESULTS

A total of 130 videos were included, and the total number of views was 100,290,242 with a total duration of 29 h and 8 min. While 26.6% of videos were uploaded by TV shows and YouTube channels, only 7.7% were uploaded by lung specialists. 65.4% of the videos contained scientifically correct information, whereas 18.5% contained misleading information. Although videos from medical professionals had a higher quality than videos from YouTube channels and TV shows, the latter were more popular. Misleading videos had numerically, but not statistically significant higher views compared with useful videos.

CONCLUSIONS

YouTube videos on asthma are popular in terms of viewer interaction, and the popularity is not restricted to videos uploaded by professional sources. Although more than half of the videos were found to be useful, a non-negligible proportion of videos were assessed as misleading. The usefulness of YouTube videos on asthma is variable and initiatives should be taken to increase the potential of YouTube as an useful source in patient education.

Ensuring equitable access to guideline-based asthma care across the lifespan: Tips and future directions to the successful implementation of the new NAEPP 2020 guidelines, a Work Group Report of the AAAAI Asthma, Cough, Diagnosis, and Treatment Committee

The most recent recommendations from the 2020 National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Update and Global Initiative for Asthma 2021 guide evidence-based clinical decision making. However, given the present state of health disparities by age, income, and race, the equitable implementation and dissemination of these guidelines will be unlikely without further guidance. This work group report reviews the current state of the new asthma guideline implementation; presents updated evidence-based therapeutic options with attention to specific patient populations; and addresses barriers to the implementation of these guidelines in minoritized, historically marginalized, and underresourced communities. Allergists and immunologists can use practical ways to accomplish the goals of improved asthma care access and advanced asthma care across the life span, with specific considerations to historically marginalized populations. Modifiable barriers to guideline implementation include financial barriers, environmental factors, and allergy subspecialty access and care coordination. Various programs to improve access to guideline-based asthma care include community programs, school-based asthma programs, and digital health solutions, with an emphasis on reducing disparities by race.

Knowledge exchange between patient and pharmacist: A mixed methods study to explore the role of pharmacists in patient education and counseling in asthma and pulmonary arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVES

To better understand the role of pharmacists in patient education and counselling: describe the perception of knowledge exchange (KE) between asthma/pulmonary arterial hypertension patients and pharmacists (hospital/community) according to four dimensions (4C-typology): cure (C1), care (C2); coordination/supply chain (C3), characteristics of the pathophysiology/disease mechanisms (C4); factors correlated with KE.

METHODS

A mixed methods approach was used. Part A: data from semi-structured patient interviews were processed (thematic analysis), and a questionnaire developed. Part B: completed patient questionnaires were processed by correspondence factor analysis.

RESULTS

KE (4C-typology) was correlated with pathology, disease severity, disease duration, age, hospital/community pharmacist. Patients expected pharmacists to provide C2/C3 services. KE with pharmacists covered C1/C2/C3, and with physicians, C1/C2/C4. While patients perceived KE as a means of self-learning to improve self-care skills, the two-way nature meant it provided specific experiential information feedback to pharmacists.

CONCLUSIONS

This 4C-typology provides a holistic framework for optimising the pharmacists' role in education and counselling of patients with chronic diseases.

Association of asthma and herpes zoster, the role of vaccination: A literature review

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of a previous infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which shares the same mode of transmission as HZ. It presents with painful erythematous vesicles in a dermatome which is characterized by a burning sensation before and after the rash. Any conditions with suppressed cellular immunity example diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, chronic steroid uses, malignancy, etc. causes reactivation of the virus. Impaired immune responses in asthma patients either in any age group may increase their susceptibility to HZ infection owing to skewed Th1/Th2 immunity, resulting in predominant Th2 conditions and an unwarranted Th2 cell response against respiratory allergens. Similarly, many studies have delineated the association of asthma with HZ. However, the relation between steroid use in asthma and HZ is uncertain, its immunosuppressive effect might be responsible for increased susceptibility to the infection. As HZ increases the economic burden and morbidity, its prevention should use vaccines. There are two types of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccine available against HSV one of which is given as a single dose vaccine called Zostavax, for people 50-59 years but its efficacy falls after 3rd dose and on the subsequent 4th dose and is also contraindicated in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, pregnancy and people taking immunosuppressive drugs. Shingrix is preferred by FDA which is a two doses vaccine that is given 6 months apart for people above 50 years and to immunocompromised people. Hence, proper counseling and education about the risks of herpes should be informed to the patients with timely utilization of the vaccine.

YouTube as a source of (mis)information on allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common chronic condition that affects nearly one-quarter of the adult population worldwide. The optimal management of AR includes useful information on the several aspects of the condition. Social media and online platforms are increasingly being used to obtain health related information.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to examine and evaluate the popularity and usefulness of YouTube videos on allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Out of 225 screened videos, 86 met the inclusion criteria. A scoring scheme was designed to evaluate and rate the content of the extracted data. Data on views, likes, dislikes, and comments were extracted, and data on source of uploader, duration and content quality were recorded.

RESULTS

43% of the videos were classified as useful, 36 % as misleading, and 21 % as neither useful nor misleading. Although professional health care providers uploaded two-thirds of the videos, they accounted for only 24.4% of the total videos. Videos uploaded by TV shows and YouTube channels had by far the most user interaction, accounting for 66.9% of the total likes, 66.8 % of the total dislikes, and 54.0 % of the total comments. This source alone accounted for 23.4% of the total views, but for 48% of the total misleading videos.

CONCLUSION

The usefulness of YouTube videos on allergic rhinitis is varying and less than half of the videos provided useful information. If the proper conditions are met, selected YouTube videos on allergic rhinitis can be used as a source of information for patient education.

A Nurse Led Asthma Care Team transitioning patients from hospital to home improves asthma control: a pilot study exploring an alternative model of care

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent asthma admissions are frequent in our patients at a tertiary Australian hospital, and commonly related to poor health literacy and medication adherence. A need exists to improve these asthma self-management skills within our current model of care, especially during the vulnerable post discharge period.

AIM

To examine if the addition of a nurse led Asthma Care Transition Team (ACTT) compared with usual care alone (UC) (1)improves asthma control at 12 weeks post hospital discharge; (2) the number of patients using a Written Action Plan (WAP), compliance with inhaler therapy at 12 weeks, and readmission rates at 6 months.

METHODS

Adults admitted with asthma were randomised to either: UC: involving review of asthma medication and self- management skills by the ward team prior to discharge; a standard 6 week post discharge clinic visit and a 12 week study visit where an independent assessor assessed outcomes; or ACTT: In addition to UC, involved ACTT nurse led review at 1 week and 6 weeks. Key aspects included a predefined, structured review reinforcing education and self- management skills, and telephone support during working hours.

RESULT

60 participants (UC and ACTT) had similar baseline characteristics: Mean age: 41 vs 38 years, asthma duration: 20 vs 18 years, baseline Asthma Control Questionnaire 3.1 vs 3.4. At 12 weeks Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) improved significantly in both groups but more so with ACTT; ACTT group had a higher uptake of WAP and a trend to reduced re admissions.

CONCLUSION AND PRACTICE IMPLICATION

A nurse led ACTT improves asthma control and self- management skills following discharge and may lead to fewer readmissions.

Positive change in asthma control using therapeutic patient education in severe uncontrolled asthma: a one-year prospective study

Background

Severe asthma is difficult to control. Therapeutic patient education enables patients to better understand their disease and cope with treatment, but the effect of therapeutic patient education in severe uncontrolled asthma is unclear. We evaluated whether therapeutic patient education is effective in improving asthma control and decreasing the frequency of exacerbations in severe uncontrolled asthma.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational, and self-controlled study that enrolled 40 subjects with severe uncontrolled asthma. Patients were seen at a clinic four times (on day 1 and after 3, 6, and 12 months). After baseline data collection, the subjects completed a therapeutic patient education program and were also followed-up via telephone after 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 months to monitor asthma medication adherence and collect asthma-related information.

Results

Within the 1-year study period, a total of 23 exacerbations were recorded in 14 patients, seven of whom required emergency treatment and two of whom were hospitalized. Twelve months after the standardized therapeutic patient education program, pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels improved significantly in all 40 patients. Moreover, the scores from three standardized asthma questionnaires and indices suggested improved quality of life in these patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. Serum levels of biomarkers reflecting asthma immune responses did not change between baseline and the 1-year follow-up time point.

Conclusions

Therapeutic patient education is effective in improving asthma control and decreasing exacerbations in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40733-021-00076-y.

The feasibility and effect of a nurse-led, patient-centered asthma education program in a Nigerian context

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Insufficient asthma education is an unmet need in Nigeria. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a nurse-led asthma education program and its effect on asthma knowledge and outcomes in Lagos, Nigeria.

METHODS

Using a quasi-experimental study design, we recruited participants ≥12 years with physician diagnosed asthma. We assessed asthma knowledge, asthma control, medication adherence, health related quality of life and inhaler technique and also measured lung function. A trained nurse delivered asthma education sessions during the regular clinic visits and demonstrated correct inhaler technique. All assessments were repeated at 3-month. Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant for all associations.

RESULTS

Of the 80 participants at baseline, 42 (52.5%) completed the follow-up assessment and were included in the outcome analysis. Their ages ranged from 12 to 75 years, 35 (83.3%) were ≥18 years old and 30 (71.4%) were females. There was significant improvement in knowledge score immediately post intervention (15.48 ± 3.05 versus 18.33 ± 2.21, p < 0.001) and at 3 months (17.52 ± 2.63, p < 0.001). Those with uncontrolled asthma (Asthma Control Test score ≤19) had a meaningful (3.8-point) change in ACT score at follow-up. The improvement in the mean score on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was significant (p = 0.03), but a change of 0.48 was not considered meaningful. There was significant (p < 0.001) and meaningful (1.08) improvement in Mini Asthma Quality of Life score at 3 months. Pre-bronchodilator FEV1% predicted and scores on the inhaler technique check list for the Diskus and pressurized meter dose inhaler did not significantly change at follow-up (p = 0.38, 0.26 and 0.80 respectively).

CONCLUSION

It is practicable for nurses to deliver effective asthma education during regular clinic visits in our practice setting. This training could meaningfully improve asthma control and health related quality of life.

Impact of an Asthma Education Program During Admission

OBJECTIVES

Health educational interventions improve health outcomes and quality of life in children with asthma. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an education intervention for an asthma inhaler technique during hospital admission for an asthma exacerbation.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in a pediatric hospitalization unit of a third-level hospital. Children admitted for an asthma exacerbation were eligible for inclusion. It was developed in 2 phases: during hospital admission (T1) and 1 month after discharge (T2). In the T1 phase, caregivers completed the questionnaire to assess asthma control in children (CAN questionnaire) and performed the inhaler technique, which was evaluated with a 6-step checklist. An educational intervention was performed. In the T2 phase, caregivers completed the CAN questionnaire, and the inhaler technique was reevaluated. We hypothesized that the inhaler technique improved after the implementation of an asthma education program.

RESULTS

A total of 101 children were included, of whom 85 completed the T2 phase (84%). At baseline, 11.8% of participants performed the inhaler technique correctly. All steps of the inhaler technique upgraded in the T2 phase significantly (P < .01), except for the step "assemble the inhaler device correctly." Former evaluation by a pediatric pneumologist was associated with a higher score in the inhaler technique in the T1 phase. The median CAN questionnaire score in the T1 phase was 8 (interquartile range 4-16), which reduced to 4 (interquartile range 1.2-6) in the T2 phase (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of an educational intervention during admission improved inhaler technique as well as asthma knowledge.

Assessing the impact of a family empowerment program on asthma control and medication use in children with asthma: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

In pediatric asthma, family empowerment education has been beneficial for the quality of life, pulmonary function, and family functioning. Few studies addressed the impact of a family empowerment program on asthma symptom control, acute healthcare use (AHCU), and medication use in children with asthma. This study aimed to assess the effect of a family empowerment intervention on asthma symptom control, AHCU, inhaler technique, and controller adherence in children with asthma.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A single-center study using a randomized controlled design was conducted in a university hospital in the center of Tunisia from May 2018 to September 2019. Eighty-two families were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 41) of 8 weeks of group training sessions, or to the control group (n = 41) of usual care education. Thirty-seven families in the intervention group and 39 families in the control group received allocated intervention at baseline. Thirty-four families in each group completed the study at the 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

At baseline, the intervention and control groups were statistically comparable (p > .05). At follow-up, there were significant differences between the intervention and the control group in asthma symptom control, χ² (1, N = 34) = 9.950, p = .002, and inhalation technique, χ² (1, N = 34) = 5.916, p = .01. For AHCU and adherence to asthma controller, there was no significant difference between groups, χ² (1, N = 34) = 3.219, p = .07, χ² (1, N = 34) = 0.541, p = .46, respectively. The difference within time in asthma symptom control and inhalation technique was significant (p = 10^-3 , p = .001; respectively).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This study demonstrated that a family empowerment program significantly improved asthma symptom control and inhaler technique in children with asthma aged 7-17 years. This intervention could be clinically useful and time-saving for pediatric nurses.

Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle function, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with asthma: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of an inspiratory muscle training protocol on inspiratory muscle function, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with asthma.

DESIGN

A single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Community-based.

SUBJECTS

Patients with asthma, aged between 20 and 70 years old, non-smokers.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomized into two groups: inspiratory muscle training group performed inspiratory muscle training 5 days a week for 8 weeks, consisting of six sets of 30 breaths per day with a training load ⩾50% of maximal inspiratory pressure, plus an educational program; the control group only received the educational program.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Maximal inspiratory pressure, inspiratory muscle endurance, and the distance performed on the incremental shuttle walking test were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention and at follow-up (3 months after the end of the intervention). The asthma quality of life questionnaire was applied pre and post-intervention.

RESULTS

Data from 39 participants were analyzed. Maximal inspiratory pressure in percentage of predicted and endurance test duration were significantly higher post-intervention in the inspiratory muscle training group (∆ post-pre: 50.8% vs 7.3% of predicted - P < 0.001 and ∆ post-pre: 207.9 seconds vs 2.7 seconds - P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the incremental shuttle walking distance between groups (∆ post-pre: 30.9 m vs -8.1 m, P = 0.165). Quality of life was perceived as significantly better, without a difference between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

About 8 weeks of inspiratory muscle training in patients with controlled asthma significantly increased inspiratory muscle strength and endurance.

Educational topics and their rationale for inclusion within pulmonary rehabilitation - a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To identify the scope of educational topics within pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for people with chronic respiratory diseases and determine their rationale for inclusion.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched, with data extracted and assessed for quality by two reviewers using the Downs and Black tool or the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies of variable quality were included. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), common education topics included disease pathophysiology, medications, psychological support, strategies for breathlessness, role of exercise and recognition of acute exacerbations, while less frequent topics included end-of-life planning, disease impact on sexual relationships and comorbidities. In interstitial lung disease (ILD), topics focused upon disease pathophysiology, approaches to limit disease progression, symptom management and end-of-life care. Evidence of a rationale for including education topics in PR were often lacking, but focused on recommended guidelines and information to improve self-management.

CONCLUSION

A core range of educational topics based broadly upon clinical presentation and management strategies appear to be incorporated into PR for people with COPD. Topics for people with ILD appear to be selected according to patient need.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The topics identified in this review may help clinicians seeking to develop educational resources for PR.

Effect of Family Empowerment Education on Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life of Children With Asthma and Their Parents in Tunisia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Patient education is fundamental in asthma management, especially at pediatric age. It is increasingly recognized as effective in reducing the burden of the disease, but is less clear in improving the quality of life of children with asthma and their parents. This study assessed the effect of an asthma therapeutic education program on pulmonary function and quality of life in children with asthma and their parents.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A monocentric randomized controlled trial conducted in Farhat Hached University Hospital of Sousse (Tunisia) from May 2018 to September 2019. Thirty-seven families in the experimental group and 39 families in the control group received allocated intervention at baseline. Thirty-four families in each group completed the study at the 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The intervention significantly improved quality of life scores of children and their parents (all p < 0.05). Children in the experimental group had significantly better forced expiratory maneuver than children in the control group. Nonetheless, the FEV1/FVC ratio did not show any significant difference in the experimental and control group (p = 0.9; p = 0.14, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that a long-term family-based asthma education program resulted in better pulmonary function and QOL of children and parents enrolled in the intervention group, particularly children with non-allergic asthma.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Family-based asthma education can reduce the burden of allergic and non-allergic asthma on children and their parents through improving their quality of life. Also, the pulmonary function of children with non-allergic asthma was improved due to My Asthma Therapeutic Education intervention.

Effective management of adult patients with asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can affect people of all ages. Globally, asthma is one of the most common non-communicable diseases and is associated with significant personal, financial and societal costs. In some cases, asthma can be fatal, although many fatalities would have been preventable with appropriate management. People with asthma often underestimate the effects of their symptoms, and nurses should develop their knowledge and skills so that they can provide appropriate management advice. This article outlines the causes of asthma and its symptoms. It also explains the interventions used in the management of this condition, including medicines, patient education, appropriate lifestyle changes and referral to specialist services.

Ten-year trends and prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis among the Korean population, 2008-2017

BACKGROUND

Major questions remain regarding the age-stratified trends of allergic diseases and asthma in Korea.

PURPOSE

To identify the estimated recent prevalence and 10- year trends in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis among the Korean population from 2008 to 2017.

METHODS

This nationwide cross-sectional survey (Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) over 10 years (2008-2017) examined representative samples of the Korean population (n=85,006) including 2,131 infants, 4,352 preschool children, 12,919 school-age children, 44,200 adults, and 21,404 elderly adults.

RESULTS

In the 2016 to 2017 population, the estimated prevalence of asthma was 0.9% in infants, 2.3% in preschool children, 4.1% in school-age children, 2.3% in adults, and 4.1% in the elderly. The estimated prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 9.0%, 20.2%, 27.6%, 17.1%, and 6.9%, respectively. The estimated prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 5.9%, 11.3%, 14.6%, 3.9%, and 1.6%, respectively. Ten-year trends revealed a significant decrease in asthma prevalence in infants, preschool children, and the elderly. and in atopic dermatitis prevalence in infants and preschool children (P<0.05 for all trends). Furthermore, 10-year trends demonstrated a significant increase in allergic rhinitis prevalence in school-age children, adults, and the elderly, and in atopic dermatitis prevalence in school-age children and the elderly (P<0.05 for all trends).

CONCLUSION

These results improve our understanding of the age-stratified epidemiology of allergic diseases in Korea and suggest the need for the development of tailored and precise strategies to prevent allergic diseases in different age groups.

Regional Disparity in Asthma Prevalence and Distribution of Asthma Education Programs in Texas

Objectives

To identify the distribution of asthma education programs that are currently active in Texas and examine whether there is a geographical disparity between asthma prevalence and locations of asthma education programs in the Public Health Regions (PHRs) of Texas.

Methods

The data for adult asthma prevalence in PHRs was obtained from the Texas Department of State and Health Services (DSHS) 2015 Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Public Use Data File. The Geographic Information System (GIS) program was used to show the distribution of asthma education programs and visually identify the isolated areas for asthma education programs on the maps. To examine the areas covered by the asthma education programs, we illustrated 50 miles and 70 miles of buffer zones from each program by proximity (multiple ring buffer) functions in GIS.

Results

We identified that 27 asthma education programs are active in Texas as of July 2019. The analysis showed that PHRs 1, 2, and 7 had the highest rate of asthma prevalence but had fewer asthma education programs. Also, the distribution of asthma education programs is concentrated around major cities, leading to a regional imbalance between asthma prevalence and locations of asthma education programs. The central and western areas of Texas proved to be marginalized areas for asthma education programs, particularly PHRs 2 and 9 because they may not be covered by the buffer zones of 70 miles from any asthma education programs. Discussion. This study revealed the marginalized regions in Texas lacking asthma education programs. The findings could help policymakers and health care professionals enhance opportunities to develop asthma education programs using different venues in isolated areas and prioritize these regions, for funds, to establish new asthma education programs.

Palliative care as an emerging role for respiratory health professionals: Findings from a cross-sectional, exploratory Canadian survey

Introduction

Respiratory Health Professionals (RHPs) with specialty training in the management of asthma and COPD, often care for patients with advanced respiratory disease, who have less access to palliative care than patients with similar disease burden. The aims of this study were to: (i) explore the current and desired roles of RHPs in terms of palliative care and (ii) examine barriers to discussions with patients about palliative care.

Methods

An online survey addressing the aims of this study was developed and pilot tested. The survey was distributed nationally using the database of the Lung Association's RESPTREC respiratory educator training program. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

A total of 123 completed surveys were returned, with respiratory therapists comprising the largest group of respondents. The majority indicated that end-of-life care was less than optimal for patients with advanced respiratory illnesses and agreed that palliative care should be a role of RHPs. Patient- and family-related barriers to having end-of-life discussions included: difficulty accepting prognosis, limitations and complications, and lack of capacity. For providers, the most important barriers were: lack of training, uncertainty about prognosis, and lack of time. The health care system barriers of concern were increasing demand for palliative care services and limited accessibility of palliative care for those with advanced respiratory diseases and difficulties in accurate prognostication for these conditions.

Discussion

Incorporating a more defined role in palliative care was generally seen as a desirable evolution of the RHP role. A number of strategies to mitigate identified barriers to discussions with the patient are described. Better alignment of the services required with the needs of patients with advanced respiratory disease can be addressed in a number of ways.

Conclusions

As RHP roles continue to evolve, consideration should be given to the ways in which RHPs can contribute to improving the quality of care for patients with advanced respiratory disease. Building collaborations with RHPs, palliative care, and other existing health programs can ensure high quality of care. Creating and taking advantage of learning opportunities to build skills and comfort in using a palliative approach will benefit respiratory patients.

Validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for obstructive pulmonary diseases in the perspective of adults with asthma

Purpose: To validate the Comprehensive and Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for obstructive pulmonary diseases from the perspective of adults with asthma.Methods: This was a qualitative, cross-sectional study. Individual interviews with questions related to the disease and its impact on the patient's life were performed. The meaning condensation procedure was used for analysis.Results: Thirty-five participants (26 females, 41 ± 13 years old) were interviewed. A total of 405 concepts were identified, and 348 were associated to the components Body Functions (n = 168), Body Structures (n = 22), Activities and Participation (n = 33), Environmental Factors (n = 125). These concepts were linked to 61 categories: second level (n = 25), third level (n = 33), fourth level (n = 3), which confirmed 41% and 77% of those included in the Comprehensive and Brief Core Sets, respectively. Twenty-four additional categories were identified, and 57 concepts could not be linked to the classification.Conclusions: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for obstructive pulmonary diseases were supported by the perspective of adults with asthma. The Brief version seemed the best reference for rehabilitation, reflecting the typical disabilities and impairments of these patients. Unconfirmed and added categories have been reported, and their analysis may assist future document updates.Implications for rehabilitationThe use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases is relevant to guide patient assessment, treatment and monitoring.The concepts related to the Body functions and Environmental factors were the most relevant according to the perspective of adults with asthma.The Comprehensive and Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases were supported by adults with asthma.

Improving the global diagnosis and management of asthma in children

Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children worldwide. It affects daytime activities, sleep and school attendance and causes anxiety to parents, families and other carers. The quality of asthma diagnosis and management globally still needs substantial improvement. From infancy to the teenage years, there are age-specific challenges, including both underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis with stigma-related barriers to treatment in some cultures and in adolescents. Guidelines are increasingly evidence based, but their impact on improving outcomes has been negligible in many parts of the world, often due to lack of implementation. New thinking is needed to enable substantial improvements in outcomes. The disease varies globally and plans will need to differ for individual countries or places where region-specific barriers prevent optimal care. A wide selection of educational activities is needed, including community-targeted initiatives, to engage with families. The Paediatric Asthma Project Plan has been initiated to strengthen diagnosis and management of asthma. This encompasses a vision for the next 10–15 years, building on the knowledge and experience from previous educational projects. It will take into account the educational needs of patients, carers and healthcare professionals as well as the accessibility and affordability of medication, particularly in low and middle-income countries where the prevalence of asthma is rising more rapidly. This overview presents a first step for those involved in the diagnosis and management of childhood asthma to strengthen care for children globally.

Curricular intervention increases adolescents' knowledge about asthma: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of a curricular intervention concerning the knowledge about asthma among adolescents from a public school.

METHODS

This was a randomized, controlled trial study on a curricular intervention in asthma, carried out with asthmatic and non-asthmatic adolescents. The study participants were divided into a curricular intervention group for asthma (IG), and a control group with traditional curriculum (CG). Topics related to asthma were included in the curriculum, such as the disease concept, triggering factors, treatment, symptoms, action plan, and beliefs in popular myths about the disease. These topics were evaluated through a questionnaire with scores ranging from 0 to 20 points, expressed by the mean score. The acquisition of knowledge was evaluated 90 days and 540 days after the start of the intervention (baseline), by applying the mixed linear model for analysis of associations.

RESULTS

181 students participated in the study (IG=101 and CG=80). As shown by their scores before the intervention; the students were unaware about asthma (IG: x¯=10.7±2.9vs. CG: x¯=11.5±2.7 points), its treatment (IG: x¯=1.6±0.9vs. CG: x¯=1.6±0.8 points), and reported beliefs in popular myths about the disease (IG: x¯=1.5±1.1vs. CG: x¯=1.7±1.1 points). After the intervention, the IG showed higher overall knowledge (GI: x¯=15.5±3.1 points), as well as knowledge about the treatment (GI: x¯=2.5±1.0 points), and two times more knowledge in the field "beliefs in popular myths about the disease" when compared to the CG. A greater probability of achieving satisfactory knowledge about asthma was noted in the IG (RR=3.5), with NTT=2.0.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of the asthma topic in the curriculum improved knowledge about the disease in a subgroup of students.

Using the theoretical domains framework to identify barriers and enablers to pediatric asthma management in primary care settings

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to apply a theory-based approach to identify barriers and enablers to implementing the Alberta Primary Care Asthma Pediatric Pathway (PCAPP) into clinical practice. Phase 1 included an assessment of assumptions underlying the intervention from the perspectives of the developers. Phase 2 determined the perceived barriers and enablers for: 1) primary care physicians' prescribing practices, 2) allied health care professionals' provision of asthma education to parents, and 3) children and parents' adherence to their treatment plans.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with 35 individuals who reside in Alberta, Canada. Phase 1 included three developers. Phase 2 included 11 primary care physicians, 10 allied health care professionals, and 11 parents of children with asthma. Phase 2 interviews were based on the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a directed content analysis. Key assumptions by the developers about the intervention, and beliefs by others about the barriers and enablers of the targeted behaviors were identified.

RESULTS

Eight TDF domains mapped onto the assumptions of the pathway as described by the intervention developers. Interviews with health care professionals and parents identified nine TDF domains that influenced the targeted behaviors: knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities, social/professional role and identity, beliefs about consequences, environmental context and resources, behavioral regulation, social influences, and emotions.

CONCLUSIONS

Barriers and enablers perceived by health care professionals and parents that influenced asthma management will inform the optimization of the PCAPP prior to its evaluation.

The Impacts of Educational Asthma Interventions in Schools: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective. To review the literature on the impact of educational asthma interventions in schools regarding the knowledge and morbidity of the disease among children and adolescents. Methods. A systematic review was conducted for controlled clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of educational asthma interventions for students, asthmatic or nonasthmatic, families, and school staff. Databases were CENTRAL, PubMed, LILACS, MEDLINE, and SciELO. Articles published in any language were considered, in the period from 2005 to 2014, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results. Seventeen articles were selected (N = 5,879 subjects). 94% of the interventions (16 of 17 studies) were applied in developed countries that were led by health professionals and most of them targeted asthmatics. Asthma education promotes the improvement of knowledge about the disease in at least one of the evaluated areas. 29% of the interventions (5 of 17 studies) showed a reduction of the asthma symptoms, 35% (6 of 17 studies) reduction of the hospitalization instances and emergency visits, 29% (5 of 17 studies) reduction of school absenteeism, and 41% (7 of 17 studies) increase in the quality of life of the individuals. Conclusions. Educational interventions in schools raise the awareness of asthma and weaken the impact of morbidity indicators.