| Sumario: | Background: Asthma is the most common cause of school absenteeism and its prevalence is increasing in Canada. The psychological and financial burden of this disease is enormous, making it imperative that better, more efficacious management programs are developed and implemented.Methods: Pediatric patients and their caregivers were recruited through physician-referral. All patients were seen by a clinic pediatrician and respiratory therapist or registered nurse, who were specifically trained in asthma education methodologies. Individual action plans were developed for each patient. Follow-up visits were arranged at one month and six months to reinforce asthma education previously presented and to measure each patient's progress. Questionnaires to monitor asthma severity and quality of life were administered at each of these visits.Results: Using our asthma education program, significant reductions in the number of contacts with the health care system, in the loss of productivity experienced by sufferers and their caregivers, and in the severity and quantity of asthma symptoms were documented. There were also significant improvements in the quality of life for asthmatic patients and their caregivers, as well as significant increases in confidence for self-management.Interpretation: These data indicate that a multi-disciplinary team approach employing individualized action plans, close follow-up, and one-on-one education is an effective way of reducing the psychological, physical, and financial bur-den of asthma.
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