A randomized trial to improve self-management practices of adults with asthma.
The prevalence and impact of adult asthma are substantial, and poor self-management practices, especially failures to adhere to treatment regimens, appear to be a significant problem. Desirable characteristics of an intervention program to improve self-management were identified through needs assessment and review of existing patient education resources. A comprehensive program was developed that integrated a workbook with one-to-one counseling and adherence-enhancing strategies. A longitudinal 1-year study compared patients receiving this self-management program with "usual care" patients receiving standard asthma pamphlets. Patients were randomly assigned to conditions. Baseline score and asthma severity were statistically controlled. Self-management patients had substantially better adherence than usual care patients, as well as improved functional status, at follow-up. Hospital and emergency department visits decreased in both groups but did not differ between groups.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
W C
WC
Bailey
J M
JM
Richards
C M
CM
Brooks
S J
SJ
Soong
R A
RA
Windsor
B A
BA
Manzella
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*