Asthma self-management education

Abstract

Asthma self-management education is a fundamental component of asthma management guidelines. Self-management education should include the provision of information, self-monitoring, regular medical review and the provision of a written asthma management plan. Implementing this form of management can be challenging, this paper reviews the evidence supporting self-management education, provides recommendations and tools for delivering asthma education and discusses the challenges and solutions to implementing these recommendations. We have discussed ways to improve communication, develop patient partnerships and tailor management to facilitate behavioural change, adherence and self-management. Health Professionals providing education and guiding self-management require training to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to deliver this form of education. Provision of this training is important and can be achieved through varied methods of achieving competence.