Impact of an extensive asthma education campaign for physicians on their drug prescription practices

The Saudi Initiative for Asthma - 2016 update: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma in adults and children

“…With the availability of appropriate information, patients will be encouraged to continue on the management plan and reassured about the control of their asthma. [ 104 ] It is essential to get the feedback from the patient to maintain a bidirectional rapport and an optimum environment. It has been documented that a well-structured asthma education program improves quality of life, reduces cost, and decreases the utilization of healthcare resources.…”

“… Recommended option: Escalation of treatment by combining high-dose ICS with LABA (Evidence A)[ 104 139 140 150 ] In addition to the currently available combinations of ICS/LABA mentioned in step three section, the new once a day combination of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (Relvar) can be prescribed for adults and children above 12 years at a dose of 200/25 mcg dose[ 134 135 ] If symptom control is not achieved, adding tiotropium to the combination of ICS and LABA is a recommended option as it significantly improves lung function in uncontrolled cases and reduce exacerbations (Evidence A)[ 144 151 152 ] Adding LTRA to the combination of high-dose ICS and LABA is also recommended but the evidence for this is less robust (Evidence B)[ 153 154 ] Adding theophylline to the combination of high-dose ICS and LABA is another less favorable alternative (Evidence B)[ 154 155 ] Omalizumab may be considered for those patients uncontrolled on maximum treatment at this step with modification of any triggers and who have allergic asthma as determined by an IgE level in the appropriate therapeutic range, the result of skin test or RAST study (Evidence A), or a strong history of atopy (Evidence D). [ 139 140 150 ] Special knowledge about the drug and its side effects should be available before administering omalizumab by any physician.…”

“…Recommended option: Escalation of treatment by combining high-dose ICS with LABA (Evidence A)[ 104 139 140 150 ]…”

The Saudi initiative for asthma - 2012 update: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma in adults and children

“…With the availability of appropriate information, patients will be encouraged to continue on the management plan and reassured about the control of the disease. [98] It is essential to get the feedback from the patient in order to maintain a bidirectional rapport and an optimum environment. It has been documented that a well-structured asthma education program will improve quality of life, reduce cost, and the utilization of healthcare resources.…”

“…Depending on the level of asthma control, it is recommended to have a follow-up at every 1–3 month intervals (Evidence D). [98121] The follow-up should include monitoring and review of the patient's written asthma action plan, medications, patient's behaviors, and possible side effects of medications. Once asthma is well controlled and the control is maintained for at least 3 months, a reduction in pharmacologic therapy (a step down) is recommended to reach the minimum therapy level that can maintain a good control and minimize side effects (Evidence D).…”