Asthma control and opportunities to optimize management and the healthcare provider experience using the...

Patients seen in general practices can achieve improved asthma control with better identification of factors that contribute to uncontrolled asthma. Information is lacking on the proportion of patients with uncontrolled asthma, associated patient characteristics, and opportunities to improve management. The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of general practice patients with uncontrolled asthma, as assessed during a regular consultation with the AsthmaOptimiser digital tool, identify the opportunities for improved management, and to evaluate the usability of this tool which is based on treatment recommendations from GINA. The CAPTURE study was a non-interventional, prospective, observational study of the AsthmaOptimiser in general practice settings in the Netherlands. Patients were at least 18 years of age with an asthma diagnosis. A total of 34 Dutch general practitioners or nurse practitioners participated in the study and planned to use the AsthmaOptimiser with 5 to 10 adult patients per practice. Interviews were conducted to gather information from practitioners about the tool's usability, its content, and areas for improvement. Of the 220 patients enrolled, 60% had uncontrolled asthma, of whom 64% had opportunities for management improvement that could be initiated during a primary care visit. Specialist referrals were advisable according to the AsthmaOptimiser in 45 patients with uncontrolled asthma. Practitioners reported that the AsthmaOptimiser was an added value and had suggestions on how to improve the tool. In Dutch general practices, the AsthmaOptimiser helped general practitioners identify opportunities for improved disease management by addressing poor disease control. Overall, the general practitioners found the AsthmaOptimiser easy to use and a good addition to asthma consultations.