| A review of trials involving written action plans as an aid to asthma self-management concludes that an individualized approach and details of when to increase treatment (action points) are among key components of effective plans. In the February 2004 issue of Thorax, Australian researchers Dr. Peter G. Gibson and Dr. H. Powell of John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle report that they examined 26 randomized controlled trials evaluating asthma action plans. Individualized, complete written plans with 2 to 4 action points that incorporated use of inhaled and oral corticosteroids consistently improved outcomes. This was also true of action points based on personal best peak expiratory flow (PEF), but not for those based on percentage predicted PEF. Other variations, say the investigators "appear less beneficial or require further study." By identifying the more important parts of such plans, Dr. Gibson concluded, "these results will help patients and doctors know the best way to construct an asthma action plan." To view the abstract of the article visit http://thorax.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/59/2/94. |
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