The role of education of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in outpatient settings

Introduction
According to the recommendations of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the Global Organisation for the Prevention of COPD (GOLD), education of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an integral part of therapy and should be carried out continuously.

Aim
The aim of the program was to educate patients with asthma or COPD on their respective diseases and to assess the impact of that education on their disease awareness.

Material and methods
Patients with diagnosed asthma or COPD were included in the educational program during an outpatient medical visit. Education was preceded by completing an original questionnaire with questions about the disease, which was completed again at the next visit.

Results
In total, 583 doctors participated in the program, providing education to 9659 patients with asthma or COPD. Program participants after intervention reported lower consumption of short-acting bronchodilators (32% decrease in asthma and 42% decrease in COPD) and more often undertook phys-ical activity (20% increase among asthmatics and 46% increase in COPD). At the follow-up visit, smoking cessation was observed in 8% of asthmatics and 19% of patients with COPD.

Conclusions
The program was an essential element complementing the therapy. It contributed to better adherence to medical recommendations and improved asthma and COPD control by enhancing the patient’s un-derstanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and increased awareness of the need for regular therapy. The program allowed the identification of potential groups of patients requiring education and special attention of the physician.