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Asthma education and management programs in Canada
R L Cowie1, L Cicutto, L P Boulet
1Health Sciences Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. cowie@ucalgary.ca [corrected]
Canadian Respiratory Journal
|December 26, 2001
Summary
A three-year survey identified 74 asthma patient education programs outside Quebec, with Quebec having 114 centers. Progress in asthma education is noted, but regional disparities persist.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Asthma affects over 1.2 million Canadians.
- Effective patient education is crucial for asthma management.
- Previous comprehensive data on asthma education programs in Canada was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the number and types of asthma patient education programs across Canada.
- To assess the progress and regional distribution of asthma education initiatives.
Main Methods:
- A national survey was conducted over three years.
- Programs were identified through existing networks, conferences, and direct outreach.
- Data was collected via a 26-item questionnaire, excluding physician/pharmacist consultations.
Main Results:
- 74 asthma education programs were identified outside Quebec, involving nurses, respiratory therapists, and other health professionals.
- Most programs offered initial patient encounters of at least one hour, with 41 requiring physician referral.
- Quebec operates a separate, integrated program with 114 education centers under the Quebec Asthma Education Network (QAEN).
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in establishing asthma patient education programs in Canada.
- There are notable regional differences in program availability across the country.
- The findings highlight the need for equitable access to asthma education nationwide.