OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the basic structures and processes of asthma care 6 years after the launch of the Finnish Asthma Programme. The evaluation will serve as the baseline for the implementation of the evidence-based guidelines for asthma published in 2000. DESIGN: A descriptive type-2 evaluation (managerial monitoring of a policy implementation), based on operationalised statements of the Asthma Programme. RESULTS: A co-ordinating doctor for asthma, usually a general practitioner (GP), was interviewed in 248 (91%) health centres; 83% of the health centres have at least one GP nominated as the local asthma co-ordinator and 94% have a nurse. Asthma education for the professionals had been organised in 71% of the health centres in the previous 2 years. First-line treatment consists of an inhaled corticosteroid. Guided self-management is used in 98% of the health centres, but its components were not clear to the doctors. CONCLUSION: The basic structure of equipment and organisation for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma has been set up in the primary health care services.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the basic structures and processes of asthma care 6 years after the launch of the Finnish Asthma Programme. The evaluation will serve as the baseline for the implementation of the evidence-based guidelines for asthma published in 2000. DESIGN: A descriptive type-2 evaluation (managerial monitoring of a policy implementation), based on operationalised statements of the Asthma Programme. RESULTS: A co-ordinating doctor for asthma, usually a general practitioner (GP), was interviewed in 248 (91%) health centres; 83% of the health centres have at least one GP nominated as the local asthma co-ordinator and 94% have a nurse. Asthma education for the professionals had been organised in 71% of the health centres in the previous 2 years. First-line treatment consists of an inhaled corticosteroid. Guided self-management is used in 98% of the health centres, but its components were not clear to the doctors. CONCLUSION: The basic structure of equipment and organisation for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma has been set up in the primary health care services.
Authors: T Haahtela; L E Tuomisto; A Pietinalho; T Klaukka; M Erhola; M Kaila; M M Nieminen; E Kontula; L A Laitinen Journal: Thorax Date: 2006-08 Impact factor: 9.139
Authors: Jaana Takala; Iida Vähätalo; Leena E Tuomisto; Onni Niemelä; Pinja Ilmarinen; Hannu Kankaanranta Journal: NPJ Prim Care Respir Med Date: 2022-10-21 Impact factor: 3.289
Authors: Jaana Takala; Pinja Ilmarinen; Leena E Tuomisto; Iida Vähätalo; Onni Niemelä; Hannu Kankaanranta Journal: NPJ Prim Care Respir Med Date: 2020-03-20 Impact factor: 2.871