The importance of a community-based asthma helpline.
BACKGROUND
Individuals with asthma must often make management decisions without the support of asthma care providers. A toll-free asthma helpline is one solution for an easily accessible, community-based service to support individuals with management dilemmas. The study evaluated a toll-free asthma helpline staffed by Certified Asthma Educators (CAEs).


METHODS
Helpline CAEs assessed and responded to callers' needs. Data collection occurred during the initial helpline call and a follow-up call 12-16 weeks later. 1,400 of 1,828 (76.6%) eligible callers randomly selected for participation completed the study.


RESULTS
Most callers (79%) had poorly controlled asthma during their initial call. CAEs often advised callers (> 75%) to return to their asthma provider for assistance as a result of uncontrolled asthma, medication concerns, a questionable diagnosis, or the need for an action plan. Most participants (71%) returned to their provider and received medication changes (72%).


CONCLUSIONS
The helpline is an important service to individuals affected by asthma (typically uncontrolled) through educating and coaching callers to discuss questions and concerns with their asthma providers.
Cicutto
Lisa
L
Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. cicuttol@njc.org
Ashby
Melanie
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003153:Community Health Services; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents