Simpler treatment plans take priority

People with asthma would be prepared to sacrifice some improvements in symptom relief in return for a simpler treatment plan and an increased capacity to self-manage, according to a survey of adults with moderate or severe asthma.

Writing in the journal BMC Pulmonary Medicine, Dr John Haughney and colleagues from the University of Aberdeen suggest that taking a more flexible and patient-centered approach to asthma management would improve outcomes and result in more people taking their asthma medicines correctly.

Surveys were sent from 15 UK general practices to people with asthma who were over 18 years old and prescribed and taking medicine at step 3 of the UK asthma guidelines. The surveys measured the relative importance to patients of features of asthma management and the impact of changes in asthma management; it received 147 responses.

The authors commented: 'The results showed that adults with moderate or more severe asthma considered that a simple treatment regimen was the most important consideration in the long-term management of their condition, rather than symptom control without compromise. Taking a flexible, patient-centered approach to asthma management means focusing on issues that patients consider important.'

Edwina Wooler, Asthma UK's Clinical Lead, said: 'Asthma UK supports the need for patients to be empowered in the management of their asthma and be fully engaged in negotiating Personal Asthma Action Plans which are sensitive to their lifestyle.'

|