The influence of education on morbidity and mortality in asthma (including the use of open access hospital admission for severe attacks).
Despite the availability of effective drugs, asthma morbidity and mortality are increasing. Undertreatment is a significant contributory factor providing the rationale for improved concentration on education of asthmatics. A review of asthma education programmes reveals improvements in a variety of outcome measures. However, the types of patients studied in these programmes are very variable and it remains an unproven assumption that previously non-compliant and undertreated patients are amenable to improving asthma through education. The problems of compliance are common both in childhood and adult asthma. Further concentration on strategies to improve the management of this particular sub-group require development. In general, education programmes appear more effective when they consist of specific self-management instructions rather than general education regarding the disease process.
Clark
C J
CJ
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbridge, Glasgow, UK.
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016312:Treatment Refusal