An audit of asthma in a Belfast practice

One hundred and twenty-two asthmatic patients were identified with the help of a microcomputer in a Belfast practice of 3140. Thirteen different diagnostic labels were found to be used with up to five different labels used for a single patient. Inadequate treatment was found in a small number of patients, which was attributable to both doctor and patient. Regular monitoring using peak expiratory flow occurred in just 14 per cent. More frequent use of peak expiratory flow monitoring both in the surgery and at home and better patient education may go some way to reducing asthma morbidity and mortality.