[Acceptance of peak-flow measurement in out-patients]

There are a lot of indications for PEF-measurement of which the long-time observation of asthmatics is the most important one. Unfortunately not all patients are measuring regularly. The acceptance of PEF-measurement in patients who have got a PEF-monitor should be found out by a questioning in the following trial.

65 patients who have got a prescription for a PEF-monitor since 1995 were asked to answer a questionnaire anonymously.

49 patients (24 female, 24 male, 1 without information) answered the questionnaire. 19 patients are still measuring, 30 patients stopped measuring because of lacking complaints. Patients measured regularly (n = 14). 4 irregularly, most frequently daily (n = 9), more rarely only weekly, monthly or casually, Measuring was done mostly in the morning (n = 8), 3 times a day (n = 5), 2 times at same time (n = 9). 11 patients measured before inhalation of a beta-agonist, 8 patients before and after inhalation as well. 7 patients recorded the values. Causes for measuring mostly were control and complaints.

PEF-Measuring obviously will be accepted if the patient understands the necessity, f.e. for a short period of time at a moment of complaints or start or change of therapy. Under those circumstances most of our patients will be ready to do PEF-measurement regularly and daily and two to three times a day and at the same time and eventually with recording the values.