[The quality of asthma treatment in Denmark. How far are we--and how far are our patients?].
BACKGROUND
Despite the availability of safe and effective therapies for asthma, many patients have sub-optimal asthma control.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the current status with regard to the treatment and monitoring of adult asthmatics and to identify factors of importance for compliance with controller therapy.


METHODS
Based on information from focus group interviews, we developed a questionnaire focusing on knowledge of asthma, compliance and therapy. The participants (n = 509) answered the questionnaire over the Internet.


RESULTS
Approximately 70% of patients were treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), whereas 25% were only treated with a short-acting beta2-agonist, 20% of whom had severe asthma. In the preceding year, 46% of patients had their lung function measured. Up to 25% of patients stated that they forgot or deliberately decided not to take their ICS at least twice a week. The most frequent reason for non-compliance was lack of asthma symptoms. Non-compliance was associated with disagreement with the statement that ICS is an essential part of asthma therapy (p<0.002). Self-assessed asthma severity was positively associated with regular scheduled doctor visits (p<0.001) and good compliance (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The treatment and monitoring of asthma in Denmark is not in accordance with guidelines, e.g. with regard to patient education and the use of spirometry. Non-compliance with controller therapy is frequent, and the reasons seem to be accessible through education of both patients and doctors.
Ulrik
Charlotte Suppli
CS
Hvidovre Hospital, Hjerte-lungemedicinsk Afdeling. csulrik@dadlnet.dk
Lange
Peter
P
Plaschke
Peter P
PP
Backer
Vibeke
V
Søes-Petersen
Ulrik
U
Harving
Henrik
H
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids