ABSTRACT
The educational programmes for childhood asthma that started in the USA in the 1970's and spread in the 1980's, set the scene for programmes that were developed in other parts of the world. The medical profession has been accused of failing to apply what it knows in the treatment of asthma. Patients with asthma report that lack of knowledge and unfavourable attitudes of family, friends and employers are a significant problem. The Grampian Asthma Study of Integrated Care concluded that the effectiveness of peak flow meters as self monitoring devices remains in doubt, except for patients with more severe asthma. An admission to hospital offers a critical opportunity to introduce asthma management skills. Education in groups can produce useful improvements in the way that patients manage their asthma, but the time input for both patients and professionals can be considerable.
