Primary Care Doctors' Practice in the Management of Adult Asthma Patients

NC Tan, MH Chow, P Goh, LG Goh, TK Lim
Correspondence: Dr Tan Ngiap Chuan, Tan.NgiapChuan@singhealth.com.sg

ABSTRACT
There is apparent disparity between the international guidelines on asthma management and the current practice in reality. This can be attributed to both patient's and doctor's factors. This study examines the practice of asthma management by a group of family physicians using a self-administered questionnaire. This comprises questions relating to the main principles of asthma management set by international guidelines. The results showed that majority of the doctors (>90%) in the study reviewed patient's asthma status based on symptoms, educate their patients on types of asthma medications and advised them on allergen avoidance including smoking. Fewer of them (50 to <90%) check trigger factors or inhaled device technique, nocturnal symptoms or ER visits. Even fewer doctors (<50%) bothered to check the patient's peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or used spirometry.

Keywords: asthma, international guidelines, PEFR
Singapore Med J 2002; 43(2): 61-66