PATIENT AND FAMILY MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA - THEORY-BASED TECHNIQUES FORTHE CLINICIAN

Several model asthma education programs are available to improve patie nt self-management, and elements of these models are discussed as they relate to the teaching role of health-care providers. Self-regulation is being explored in current asthma education research, and prelimina ry findings of a study are presented that show self-regulation behavio rs to be associated with more frequent use of asthma management strate gies by patients. Using more management strategies was associated with being observant of symptoms (p = .0001) and feeling confident to mana ge them (p =.01). Taking more preventive actions was associated with b eing observant (p =.001) and feeling confident to keep the child out o f the triggering situation (p =.02) and prevent symptoms (p =.001). Im portant issues arising from recent psychosocial research are outlined for consideration by the clinician. These include ways that counseling by the health professional can encourage self-regulation and better a t-home management of asthma.