Survey of asthma care in Taiwan: a comparison of asthma specialists and general practitioners

doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63555-7

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Volume 96, Issue 4, April 2006, Pages 593-599

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63555-7 Get rights and content

Background

Asthma is a common disease in Taiwan. The promotion of quality care for asthmatic patients should focus not only on new treatment remedies but also on patient adherence to treatment and a continuous education program integrated into treatment plans. One reason for patients' poor response to treatment is the lack of asthma knowledge on the part of physicians in terms of attitudes toward treatment.

Objective

To investigate the current status of asthma treatment among asthma specialists and general practitioners and their relative acceptance of and adherence to treatment guidelines.

Methods

One thousand questionnaires were distributed to physicians throughout Taiwan using a randomized sampling procedure. The questionnaire asked about the use of different kinds of medications, including inhaled corticosteroids, to treat asthma; adherence to asthma treatment guidelines; the use of a peak flow meter for monitoring asthma status; and self-efficacy in the treatment of asthma.

Results

A total of 526 questionnaires were returned. Of these, 90.4% of specialists and 63.2% of general practitioners would follow the guidelines for patient care (P = .002). It was significant that 79.8% of specialists but only 41.9% of general practitioners would instruct patients to use a peak flow meter to monitor symptoms (P < .001). Asthma specialists also seemed to be significantly more competent than general practitioners regarding asthma knowledge, instruction of inhalation techniques, use of peak flow meters to monitor symptoms, and making an action plan.

Conclusions

To minimize the knowledge gap between specialists and general practitioners regarding asthma treatment, recognized treatment guidelines need to be popularized or simplified. Furthermore, the continuing education of general practitioners in asthma knowledge and management skills is important.

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View all citing articles on Scopus

: This study was supported by grant DOH92-HP-1117 from the Department of Health, Taiwan

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ORIGINAL ARTICLESSurvey of asthma care in Taiwan: a comparison of asthma specialists and general practitioners

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.

Respir Med.

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.

Has the prevalence of asthma increased in children? evidence from the national study of health and growth 1973–86

BMJ.

The prevalence, severity and seasonal variation of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in Taiwan schoolchildren

Pediatr Allergy Immunol.

Results of a program to reduce admission for adult asthma

Ann Intern Med.

Effects of a selfmanagement asthma educational program in Taiwan based on PRECEDE-PROCEED model for parents with asthmatic children

J Asthma.

Physicians' prevention-related practice behaviours in treating adult patients with asthma: results of a national survey

J Asthma.

ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Survey of asthma care in Taiwan: a comparison of asthma specialists and general practitioners