Asthma patients' perception on their care pathway: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Qualitative Health Research
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Insufficient asthma control affects many patients, highlighting the need for improved care strategies.
• Stakeholder collaboration is a promising approach to enhance asthma outcomes.
• Understanding patient perspectives is crucial for optimizing asthma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore French adult asthma patients' perceptions of their care pathway.
• To identify barriers and facilitators in current asthma management.
• To inform strategies for a more coordinated and patient-centered approach.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 30 adult asthma patients (18-40 years) in French primary care.
• Thematic analysis of interview data using NVivo software to identify key themes.
• Exploration of patient-identified stakeholders and their roles in asthma management.

Main Results:

• Identified visible stakeholders (patient, GPs, specialists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, family) and concealed ones (alternative practitioners).
• Highlighted unstructured asthma management at diagnosis and follow-up, linked to poor patient education and ambivalence towards illness/treatment.
• Revealed poor communication between patients and healthcare professionals and weak inter-professional cooperation.

Conclusions:

• Asthma management requires a more coordinated care pathway aligned with patient expectations.
• Improved organization, including patient involvement as partners and integration of other healthcare professionals, is essential.
• Enhanced processes, such as regular follow-up and use of tools like peak flow meters and action plans, are recommended.