Formulating an effective and efficient written asthma action plan.
Written asthma action plans (WAAPs) are recommended by national and international guidelines to help patients recognize and manage asthma exacerbations. Despite this recommendation, many patients with asthma do not have a WAAP. In addition, WAAPs vary widely in their readability and usability. To promote issuance and patient use, the WAAP should clearly define the decision (action) points, expected response, and expected time of response. The WAAP should also be easily integrated into a physician's busy practice. Herein, we describe the key elements of an effective WAAP, including concise, detailed recommendations regarding asthma exacerbation recognition (patient self-monitoring) and treatment.
Rank
Matthew A
MA
Division of Allergic Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Volcheck
Gerald W
GW
Li
James T C
JT
Patel
Ashokakumar M
AM
Lim
Kaiser G
KG
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003657:Decision Making; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012646:Self Administration; D012648:Self Care; D016353:Self-Examination; D013997:Time Factors; D014956:Writing
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents