SELF MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN ASTHMA AND COPD: WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE AND DOES IT WORK?

Major advances have been made in the delivery of care and outcomes for those with asthma and COPD over the last few decades. However, much of that progress represents the success of the pharmaceutical industry in producing and promoting efficacious medications. Further improvements in outcomes for those with common lung diseases is only likely to occur if doctors embrace the wider non-prescription elements of care with such elements including everything from enhanced communication, shared decision making, self-management support, pulmonary rehabilitation and easier and more convenient follow up. This review concerns one vital element of that wider package of care, namely self-management support. This review article may be cited as: Partridge MR. Self Management Education in Asthma and COPD: What does it involve and does it work?