Qualitative study of views of health professionals and patients on guided self management plans for asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the views held by general practitioners, practice nurses, and patients about the role of guided self management plans in asthma care.


METHODS
Qualitative study using nine focus groups that each met on two occasions.


METHODS
South Wales.


METHODS
13 asthma nurses, 11 general practitioners (six with an interest in asthma), and 32 patients (13 adults compliant with treatment, 12 non-compliant adults, and seven teenagers).


RESULTS
Neither health professionals nor patients were enthusiastic about guided self management plans, and, although for different reasons, almost all participants were ambivalent about their usefulness or relevance. Most professionals opposed their use. Few patients reported sustained use, and most felt that plans were largely irrelevant to them. The attitudes associated with these views reflect the gulf between the professionals' concept of the "responsible asthma patient" and the patients' view.


CONCLUSIONS
Attempts to introduce self guided management plans in primary care are unlikely to be successful. A more patient centred, patient negotiated plan is needed for asthma care in the community.
Jones
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Department of General Practice, University of Wales College of Medicine, Health Centre, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff CF26 9PN, UK. research@gors.freeserve.co.uk
Pill
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R
Adams
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*