Background: Asthma education programs induce better asthma control and are one of main recommendations in guidelines. The programs recommendations should include a nurse in the educational team applying the structured program. The purpose of the intervention is to bring a change in the daily life of the patient and the family in order to improve disease control and quality of life. Aim: To standardize and apply a structured post-consultation model as part of multidisciplinary care in an educational program for asthmatic patients seen at the outpatient clinic of a public hospital, and to monitor the changes in asthma knowledge and quality of life. Methods: A longitudinal prospective study over six months with regular visits at four week intervals (total = 6 visits), conducted at the outpatient department of Unifesp/EPM/HSP, and the patients were included after signing a consent form. The asthma structured educational plan was conducted by a multidisciplinary team and addressed the following issues: what is asthma, relief and prevention medicines, daily report of symptoms and dyspnea score, training of the correct use of inhaled medication, discussion and actions regarding triggering factors and how to avoid them, and tips to recognize the signals of uncontrolled asthma. A standard questionnaire about general knowledge on asthma and a quality of life questionnaire were applied at the beginning, during the course, and at the end of the program. Results: 26 asthmatics were followed over six months and showed a statistically significant improvement in their identification and management of asthma skills as well as better quality of life indices. Conclusion: The model of care and the approach and training techniques were adequate and useful in the development of a structured educational program for socially deprived patients.
Asthma; Nursing; Education; Quality of life
