Late Breaking Abstract - Overestimation of asthma control and misperception of short-acting ß2-agonists (SABA) use among physicians in Poland

Abstract

Background: Poland does not currently have a national asthma management policy. Although the global GINA guidelines are regularly translated, they may be adopted differently by physicians.

Objective: To investigate, if the real-life assessment of asthma control in Poland meets global management standards.

Methods: In total, 70 alergists, 80 pulmonologists and 103 GPs participated in the study. All physicians responded to a qualitative questionnaire and delivered diaries (assessment and decisions) of the 10 consecutive asthma patients. The level of asthma control assessed subjectively by the physicians was matched with the patient-reported symptoms according to the GINA guidelines. We also asked physicians about the frequency of short-acting ß2-agonists (SABA) use as a sign of poor asthma control.

Results: Data obtained from 253 physicians and 2,482 patients showed, that only 59.1% allergists, 44.1% pulmonologists and 44.1% GPs correctly assessed the level of asthma control according to the GINA guidelines (p=0.05, chi²-test). In terms of the GINA guidelines for SABA consumption, only 27% of allergists, 15% pulmonologists and 12% GPs correctly stated the use 1-2 times per week was indicative of controlled asthma. Meanwhile, 41% allergists, 62% pulmonologists and 59% GPs incorrectly assumed the use of 3 or more SABA canisters per year was a sign of controlled asthma.

Conclusions: We found low adoption of the GINA guidelines in terms of the assessment of asthma control in Poland, especially regarding SABA overuse. Incorrect assessment of asthma control may lead to sub-optimal treatment decisions.