[Characteristics of admissions to pediatric emergency departments for exacerbations of asthma. Assessment and prospects for improving prehospital care]

[Prescription of asthma action plans in the Aquitaine region of France]

INTRODUCTION

Although guidelines recommend the prescription of written asthma action plans (WAAP), their use remains limited.

METHODS

A prospective survey was performed from 2013 to 2014. We interviewed respiratory physicians, paediatric respiratory physicians and allergologists taking care of asthmatic patients and practicing in the Aquitaine region of France, using computerized questionnaires, regarding their everyday practice in the use of WAAP.

RESULTS

A total of 59/143 (41%) clinicians, with a mean age of 47 years, participated in the study. A total of 41/59 (69.5%) were using a WAAP (12 different models with very inhomogeneous contents, mostly targeting symptoms only). WAAP prescribers were younger than non-prescribers, were more often female, working mostly in the Gironde area, with mixed hospital and private-based activity, and were paediatric-respiratory physicians or respiratory physicians. The severity of asthma had little influence on WAAP prescriptions.

CONCLUSION

In the Aquitaine region, prescription of WAAPs remains inadequate and shows large disparities. WAAP users are mostly younger female specialists.