Role of the Respiratory Therapist in Asthma Education

The primary goal of asthma management is attainment of the best possible outcomes for symptom control and reduction of exacerbations. This can be accomplished through partnering with patients and families and providing education. Asthma self-management education empowers patients with the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to successfully manage their condition. Components of asthma education include basic facts about asthma, inhaled medications, self-monitoring, environmental control, and a written asthma action plan. Repetition, reinforcement, and good clinician communication skills are vital for successful self-management education. Teach back, teach-to-goal, and motivational interviewing are effective strategies that have demonstrated improved outcomes for adults and children with asthma. Respiratory therapists have positively impacted outcomes for patients with asthma through educational interventions. This paper reviews the published literature regarding asthma education and provides guidance for clinicians for effective asthma self-management education.