How can primary care be transformed after COVID-19 to support self-management in asthmatics? (ID 454)
Heckmondwike Grammar School
Funding: None
Abstract
AIMFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, this survey aimed to assess the current state of asthma care in primary care settings in England, as well as to identify challenges and inform opportunities for development.
METHOD
An online survey was conducted from January to February 2023, and distributed to healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients with asthma, through various channels including social media. 49 HCPs and 66 patients from England responded to the survey.
RESULTS
HCP Survey
● 79.6% (N=10/49) of clinicians believe that their patients are not currently fully equipped to self-manage their asthma
● Only 36% (N=13/36) of clinicians working in primary care said that their practice offers FeNO testing
● 44.6% (N=21/47) of clinicians reported that their clinic does not offer personalised asthma action plans (PAAP) in other formats e.g. different languages.
Patient Survey
● Over 1 in 5 patients (22.7% N=15/66) reported not having an asthma review in the last 12 months.
● Only a third of patients (33% n=22/66) reported using a PAAP
● An overwhelming number of patients (81.8%) (n=54/66) supported the idea of an asthma education program.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the survey demonstrates a lack of confidence amongst clinicians in their patient’s ability to self-manage asthma, highlighting the need for improved health education and support for patients, which was supported by patients. The utilisation of PAAPs remains low, with over 1 in 5 patients reporting not having had an asthma review within the last 12 months. Nearly 45% of clinicians reported that their clinic did not offer PAAPs in other formats, indicating that steps must be taken to incorporate personalised care for patients to self-manage their asthma and reduce health inequalities. Limited access to FeNO testing was also identified as a challenge, suggesting the need for a more integrated approach to asthma care.
Conflicts of interest: None
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