THE IMPACT OF A MASS-COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN ON THE REPORTED MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA BY GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS

There have been recent campaigns in many countries to address the incr easing morbidity and mortality of asthma by promoting better managemen t. This study aimed to evaluate the National Asthma Campaign (NAC), in Australia, and to assess the extent of its impact on reported asthma management. It was a cross-sectional, before and after study using the same self-administered questionnaire in postal surveys involving 472 general practitioners (GPs) before the campaign and 540 GPs 6 months a fter the start of the campaign. Both samples were random samples of GP s in active practice. The campaign was effective in making GPs more aw are of the principles of good asthma management. Most (74%) GPs in the post-campaign survey were aware of a current asthma education program me compared with 53% in the pre-campaign survey, although only 23% cit ed the NAC. After the campaign there were significant improvements rep orted in airway function measurement practices, the use of preventive therapy and the use of written action plans.