Educational intervention for older people with asthma: a randomised controlled trial

Objectives: To improve the asthma control and adherence to asthma preventer medication of older people using the Patient Asthma Concerns Tool (PACT) to identify and address unmet needs and patient concerns. Methods: Community dwelling adults over 55 years, living in Victoria or New South Wales were recruited into a single-blind, parallel design, randomised-controlled trial comparing person-centred education including device technique, versus written information-only education. Fifty-eight participants randomised to the intervention group and 56 to the control completed participation. Outcome measures: asthma control, adherence to preventer medication, asthma related quality of life, asthma exacerbations and written action plan ownership were assessed at baseline, and 3 and 12 months post intervention. Results: Intervention participants experienced improvements in asthma control, adherence to asthma preventer medication, reduced exacerbations, improved quality of life and an increase in asthma action plan ownership at 3 and 12 months. Conclusion: Asthma outcomes in older people can be significantly improved by delivering tailored education that identifies specific patient concerns and unmet needs. Practical implications: Use of the PACT to identify patient concerns and unmet needs will assist health professionals to improve the health literacy of patients by addressing gaps in their knowledge and perceptions of asthma control.