Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2006 Dec;26(4):282-288.

The Status of Perception of Asthma Treatment by Primary Care Physicians and the Evaluation of the Usefulness of Easy Asthma Management Program

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The guidelines for asthma treatment have been developed but few primary care physicians (PCPs) practice in accordance with these guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
This study surveyed the change of their understanding of asthma before and after using a novel computer software program named as Easy Asthma Management (EAM) program. METHOD: One hundred of total 363 physicians, who used EAM program for at least 3 months, responded to a self- reported instrument. Survey was conducted in August 2004 through October 2004, and in October 2004 through January 2005 before and after the use of EAM program. RESULT: The use of EAM program changed the understanding on the asthma treatment according to the survey result that 85% of participant PCPs agreed to follow the EAM guidelines more strictly. Especially, results showed that their attitudes were changed as follows: anti-inflammatory agent-based prescription from 38% to 49%; inhaler- based prescription from 43% to 55%; continuous treatment from 21% to 43%. Additional results showed that they diagnosed asthmatic patients more easily (from 40% to 49%).
CONCLUSION
The use of EAM program changed the understanding and treatment on the asthma by PCPs, which resulted in increased prescriptions of inhaled anti-inflammatory agents and more objective evaluation of the changes in the conditions of asthmatic patients.

MeSH Terms

Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Asthma*
Humans
Physicians, Primary Care*
Prescriptions
Primary Health Care*
Anti-Inflammatory Agents