Self-Management:
Use Asthma Self-Management Tools that are Based on Evidence of Effectiveness
- Identify high-quality patient education materials and sample Asthma Action Plans (AAPs). An AAP should include self-monitoring, guidelines for treatment, and assessment of the patient’s confidence level to help with problem solving about barriers.
- Review materials for age and cultural appropriateness. Determine if different versions— different grade levels, languages, and literacy levels—are necessary to serve patients.
- Review materials with the care team.
- Test materials with a few patients and revise as necessary.
- Make materials available to patients, families, and providers by placing them in examining rooms and waiting rooms.
- Share materials with pharmacies, faith-based organizations, and community groups.
- Have patients bring materials and asthma management tools (inhalers, spacers, and peak flow meters) with them to every visit for review of use and technique.
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Clarify meaning of items on AAP, such as how to measure symptom-free days.
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Develop culturally specific packets of information to be used when asthma is first diagnosed or for patients new to the clinic.
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Be selective and keep materials brief. Include materials with larger print. Think about how to meet the needs of clients who cannot read (for example, pictures or support persons).
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Work with lay health workers and other health workers in the community to select and review materials.
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Have team give input up front on materials.
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Clarify team roles for self-management early on.
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Coordinate patient education with the center’s care guidelines.
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Involve specialists and respiratory therapists when available.
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Remove outdated educational materials from the clinic.
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