PRACTICAL APPROACH TO THE USE OF OUTCOMES IN ASTHMA - TRAVELING THE ROAD TO BETTER ASTHMATIC CARE

This article explores the use of outcome information as the most cruci al part of following an asthmatic patient over time. This article expl ains the different types of outcome measures used in following asthmat ic patients. Practical information is provided that will aid physician s in tracking their asthmatic patients' progress over time as well as help in evaluating larger populations. The article highlights the foll owing usefulness of outcome information, describing the patient's over all state, screening for incipient disease, setting treatment goals, m onitoring disease progression, tracking response to treatment, improvi ng physician-patient communication, providing information and boundary guidelines for asthma treatment, and helping the physician select the most appropriate patient education.