The challenges of modern medicine, in particular the management of such complex diseases as asthma, make teamwork essential if any healthcare strategy is to succeed. The achievements of the National Asthma Council in bringing together the various partners in asthma in a concerted effort are well known. Further progress depends on more effectively including the patient in that partnership.

Understanding the barriers to adherence, and encouraging appropriate self-care and commitment in a true partnership with the patient, is essential. Health professionals need the ability to assess and equip patients for improved self-management using adherence strategies for which there is a growing evidence base.

Asthma, as a chronic illness with acute phases, presents special challenges. Overcoming the health beliefs that can lead to denial of the condition, countering the negative connotations and dealing with the psychosocial issues of taking long-term medication can be daunting tasks for those of us whose main training has been as clinicians rather than psychologists or behaviouralists. This guide attempts to redress that imbalance by providing practical, targeted and succinct information on managing these issues.

The advice and strategies contained in this guide should be useful across a range of chronic conditions; their range is not confined to asthma. The Department of Health and Aged Care is pleased to have supported this publication and I hope that it will stimulate new relationships between professionals and people with asthma, leading to improved health outcomes.

Dr Michael Wooldridge

Minister for Health and Aged Care

Content updated June 2001