DELIVERING OPTIMAL CARE TO THE PERSON WITH ASTHMA - WHAT ARE THE KEY COMPONENTS AND WHAT DO WE MEAN BY PATIENT EDUCATION

The new understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma has led to an incr easing perception of the disease as a chronic condition, rather than o ne consisting of acute exacerbations. Health professionals need to hel p patients to accept this new understanding, and this involves a consi deration of how best to deliver care and how best to enhance complianc e. Good communication is essential, and structured patient education h as now been shown to be cost effective. All health professionals need to think how education may best be incorporated into their care. Such care will involve the development of a partnership between health prof essional and the patient and their loved ones, and the acquisition by patients of skills in self-management. Several unknowns remain regardi ng who benefits more from group education as opposed to individual edu cation, and some details of guided self-management. However, in the fa ce of clear evidence of the benefits of patient education, these areas for further study should not delay the adoption of a strong commitmen t to education by all of those who care for those with asthma.