Article by Dr Ian Charlton,
GP Asthma Group, National Asthma Council Australia

How to write an asthma action plan 

Written asthma action or self management plans remain one of the most effective asthma interventions and are the cornerstone of asthma care. One after hours general practitioner visit is avoided for every eight asthma plans written. One hospital admission is avoided for every 20 plans written. Few other interventions can provide such a good return.

Unfortunately, reports suggest that at best only 50 percent of patients have a written action plan, with most studies reporting only a 25 percent uptake. Patients are sometimes unwilling to take responsibility for decision making and prefer their doctor to make their decisions, while patients who feel a plan is inappropriate to their belief system may only use those elements which fit their own experience or understanding, or may ignore the plan completely.

It is not only patients who are reluctant to use written plans. Many doctors still remain uncertain about the value of an action plan, or the kinds of written information that should be given to the patient.

Essentially, a written plan requires information on four action points.

1. Maintenance therapy
2. Treating symptoms
3. Oral steroids
4. Urgent medical help

To download a copy of the full article please visit the GP Review website.