A mixed methods investigation of patients’ views on resources to support self-management of asthma (ID 377)

Barat A, Morgan N, Czyzykowska K, Jackson T, McClatchey K, Pinnock H, Steed E, Taylor SJC

Queen Mary University of London

Funding: NIHR PGfAR (RP-PG-1016-20008). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Abstract

Aim
Despite the effectiveness of supported self-management in controlling asthma, it is poorly implemented in UK primary care. To improve asthma self-management support, patients’ needs should be considered, and the IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine (IMP2ART) programme has developed patient resources to support people living with asthma.
To assess patients’ information needs, and sources of information, and explore their feedback on IMP2ART resources (a patient website, review invitation letters, waiting room posters).
Method
Semi-structured interviews (n=10) were conducted with people living with asthma (≥18 years) in Scotland. Additionally, 151 REACH database users across the UK (those with a diagnosis of asthma, and 16 years and over) were invited to complete an online survey. For qualitative and quantitative data, thematic analysis and Chi-Square tests were used respectively.
Results
95 (62.9%) REACH database users responded. Unmet information needs were prevalent in 53.7% of the patients. General practices (75.7%) were identified as their preferred source of information followed by websites (61.1%). A need for further information about medication and symptom management of their asthma were expressed by 60% of respondents.
Qualitative findings were summarised under four themes: posters, invitation letters, website, and asthma self-management utilisation. IMP2ART resources were viewed positively due to their clear and informative content. Suggestions for improvement included design, increased emphasis on the importance of review attendance, and ensuring the website is seen as trustworthy. Interviewees were aware of the importance of self-management; though they identified gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed.
Conclusion
This study highlighted unmet information needs of people living with asthma. To increase self-management utilisation, enhancing community awareness of asthma and its impact is pivotal. Suggested changes to the IMP2ART resources have been made, and the IMP2ART strategy (incorporating professional and organisational resources) is now being tested in a UK-wide cluster randomised controlled trial.

Conflicts of interest: None

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