Focus Groups Reveal Shortcomings of Current State of Asthma Care

Despite treatment advances, most US patients continue to face significant challenges in managing asthma symptoms, according to results from a focus group study published in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy.

“Many patients did not have their asthma under control, did not use treatments as prescribed, and did not have, follow, or understand their asthma action plan,” wrote first author Maureen George, PhD, RN, of the Columbia University School of Nursing, and coauthors. “Insufficient control was found across asthma severities and in a diverse population, although many participants were highly educated, employed full-time, and had access to specialists and private insurance.”

To gain insight into the experiences of adults with asthma and caregivers of children with asthma, researchers used a combination of questionnaires, patient-reported outcomes, and focus groups involving 74 participants in 3 US cities. Among participants, 34 were adults with asthma, 5 were adults with a dual diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 35 were caregivers of children or adolescents with asthma.

According to study authors, 44% of participants did not follow their prescribed medical plan. Per the Asthma Control Test/Asthma Control Test-Caregiver Report, just 28% of patients had well-controlled asthma. Per the Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire, the proportion with well-controlled asthma dropped to 18%.

Inadequate symptom monitoring and control, incorrect use of treatments, ineffective communication with health care professionals, and a desire for improved treatment were key themes that emerged during focus group discussions.

“[T]he vast majority of patients in the US have suboptimal control and do not feel sufficiently informed about or involved in their care, regardless of demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical status. Additionally, participants brought up concerns about device characteristics, side effects, and cost of asthma treatments,” wrote researchers. “To address these shortcomings and concerns, health care providers should be encouraged to engage in shared decision making with patients and their caregivers in managing asthma and selecting treatments that reflect their values, preferences, and lifestyles.”

Reference:
George M, Balantac Z, Gillette C, et al. Suboptimal control of asthma among diverse patients: a US mixed methods focus group study. J Asthma Allergy. 2022;15:1511-1526. doi:10.2147/JAA.S377760