Patient and family management of asthma: theory-based techniques for the clinician

Several model asthma education programs are available to improve patient self-management, and elements of these models are discussed as they relate to the teaching role of health-care providers. Self-regulation is being explored in current asthma education research, and preliminary findings of a study are presented that show self-regulation behaviors to be associated with more frequent use of asthma management strategies by patients. Using more management strategies was associated with being observant of symptoms (p = .0001) and feeling confident to manage them (p = .01). Taking more preventive actions was associated with being observant (p = .001) and feeling confident to keep the child out of the triggering situation (p = .02) and prevent symptoms (p = .001). Important issues arising from recent psychosocial research are outlined for consideration by the clinician. These include ways that counseling by the health professional can encourage self-regulation and better at-home management of asthma.