No abstract

IntroductionThe National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) and British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidance highlight the importance of patients with asthma having a PAAP. From on-going local audit we know that over 90% of our clinic population are provided with a PAAP, which is updated on at least a yearly basis. However, we do not have data to inform us if the patients/carers use their plan appropriately.MethodA survey was conducted in a tertiary paediatric asthma clinic. The questionnaires were provided to parents and young adolescents with asthma whilst they were waiting for their appointment. There were specific yes/no and multiple choice questions as follows: location of paper plan, frequency of use, contacts and entities with access to plan, impression of unscheduled healthcare reduction and a direct question asking if digitalizing a personalised asthma plan would be useful.Results55 questionnaires were completed. All but 1 patient were able to identify that they had a PAAP. The majority of individuals considered their PAAP useful (90%) and they all found it easy to follow. 67% of patients looked at their PAAP on at least a monthly basis. 19 patients had not shared their PAAPs with other carers, whilst PAAPs had been shared with schools (30), grandparents (13) and childminder (2). Patients/carers perceived that knowledge of their PAAPs had helped to reduce unscheduled healthcare attendances (89%) and symptoms (49%); with 47% perceiving it had helped increase their peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). 95% of all patients would prefer a PAAP in an electronic format.ConclusionIn tertiary paediatric asthma clinic patients and their carers have good knowledge of their PAAP, use them regularly and share them with other care givers. They perceive that they do help improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations. Families would prefer their PAAP in an electronic format.