University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

A snapshot of general practitioner attitudes, levels of confidence and self-reported paediatric asthma management practice

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 10:49 authored by Jessica RoydhouseJessica Roydhouse, Shah, S, Toelle, BG, Sawyer, SM, Mellis, CM, Usherwood, TP, Edwards, P, Jenkins, CR
The prevalence of asthma in Australia is high. Previous findings have suggested that asthma management, particularly in primary care, remains suboptimal and recent government initiatives to improve asthma management and encourage the use of written asthma action plans (WAAPs) in general practice have been implemented. We aimed to assess the attitudes, confidence and self-reported paediatric asthma management practices of a convenience sample of Australian general practitioners (GPs). A baseline questionnaire was administered to GPs as part of a randomised controlled trial. General practitioners (GPs) were recruited from two areas of greater metropolitan Sydney, NSW between 2006 and 2008. Invitations were sent to an estimated 1200 potentially eligible GPs. Of 150 (12.5%) GPs that enrolled, 122 (10.2%) completed the baseline questionnaire. Though 89% were aware of the Australian National Asthma Guidelines, less than 40% were familiar with guideline recommendations. While 85.2% had positive attitudes towards WAAPs, only 45.1% reported providing them frequently. For children with frequent symptoms, 90% agreed they should prescribe daily, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and 83% reported currently prescribing ICS to such patients. These findings indicate gaps between GP attitudes and behaviours and highlights opportunities for interventions to improve paediatric asthma management.

History

Publication title

Australian Journal of Primary Health

Volume

17

Pagination

288-293

ISSN

1448-7527

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

Place of publication

Australia

Rights statement

Copyright La Trobe University 2011

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Evaluation of health and support services not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC