Asthma Education
Integral part of asthma care
Partnership
Multidimensional and dynamic process
Consistency of messages
Longterm, individualized strategies
Continuous improvement

Conceptual framework for health Eduacation
Health needs
Access to health system
Motivation
Barriers
Messages and expectations
Communication and negotiation
Adherence

Key issues in asthma education
Who is your audience?
What are their educational needs?
What are your messages?
Which method is most effective?
How to reinforce behavior changes?
Is there room form improvement?

Audience
Patients
Physicians
Allied health professionals
Public
Policy/decision-makers
Use terms patient understands
Advise based on where patient is at
Seek feedback e.g. fears
Periodic followup

Non-adherence
Major barrier between effective therapy and expected outcome 3 types non-adherence
Erratic - too busy, forgot, stress
Unwitting - poor technique, misunderstood
Intellingent - adverse effect, ineffective

Strategies to improve adherence
Understand patient´s perception of severity
Explore impact of asthma care lifestyle
Invite expression of any fears or mistakes
Encourage family to attend education

Strategies to improve adherence (Continued)
Explore cultural differences
Simplity medication program or content

Key messages for adult asthma
Basic asthma pathophysiology
Objetive monitoring
Environmental and trigger control
Effective medication use
Parthership in care for acute attacks

Educational media
Handouts
Videotape
(Games)
Computer software
Interactive kiosks
Internet

Outcomes - Motivators for change
Meeting personal goals
Health status
Adverse effects
Health care access/use

Outcome - key Barriers
Inadequate access
Inconsistent message
Ineffective communication
Fear or low self-confidence
Non-adherence

Strategies for improving communication
Active listening
Mutual respect
Periodic review of technique, action plan
Provide timely, consistent feedback

Asthma education - Summary
Multidimensional and dynamic process
Understand yor audience
Promote partnership in care
Consistent, yet individualized approach
Identify key barriers/ strategies
Physician/educator communication
Patient adherence
Access for periodic review
Timely feedback

Future directions
Internet education
Evidence-based, collaborative learning
Telephonic monitorins devices
Interactive distance training/ support