Did you know that Asthma is considered to be poorly controlled if you say “yes” to any of the following questions?
- Do you ever have to stop doing physical activity because of your breathing/asthma?
- Do you have any of these asthma symptoms (cough, chest tightness, wheeze or shortness of breath) 4 or more times a week?
- Have you taken your reliever/rescue medication (i.e. “blue puffer”, Ventolin®, Bricanyl® etc.) 4 or more times this week?
- Do your asthma symptoms wake you up at night?
- Have you had to go to the emergency room or walk-in clinic in the last 3 months because of asthma symptoms?
Your doctor or nurse practitioner can refer you for Asthma Education.
Everyone who has asthma, or suspected asthma, may benefit from this program.
The program consists of one-on-one education sessions (with you and the respiratory educator –Jessica) and possibly a simple breathing test.
Ideally, this education is tailored specifically to your needs and can be broken down into 2 to 3 sessions about a month apart followed by annual or semi-annual follow up.
At each session you can expect the following:
Session #1 (approximately 1 and ½ hrs) topics will include:
- Do you have asthma? What is asthma and how is it diagnosed?
- Is your asthma well controlled? (This may involve performing a simple breathing test).
- Determining your asthma triggers and how to avoid/limit them.
- What do asthma medications do, how do they work, when to take them?
- How do I properly take my medications? (Did you know: approximately 50% of people with asthma take their medications incorrectly?)
Session #2 and Session #3 (these follow-up visits are approximately 45 minutes long) topics will include:
- Is your asthma well controlled?
- Repeat breathing tests to monitor for possible improvements.
- What do I do if my asthma flares up? How to use an “Asthma Action Plan”.
- What is a Peak Flow Meter and how do I use one?
- Review how to properly take medications.
Annual or Semi-Annual Follow-up Sessions will include:
- Is your asthma well controlled?
- Repeat breathing tests
- Review medications and how to properly take them
The Primary Care Asthma Program (PCAP) is a ministry funded program aimed at improving patient’s asthma control, self-management and knowledge thereby reducing exacerbation and asthma related deaths. PCAP is delivered at your site by Jessica Schooley (the PCAP Kingston site coordinator). The patient education program consists of one-on-one education and asthma monitoring sessions with the patient and the asthma educator (Jessica). Ideally, this education is broken down into 2 to 3 sessions about a month apart followed by annual or semi-annual follow up.
At each session the following will addressed:
Session #1 (approximately 1 and ½ hrs):
Basic asthma pathophysiology, asthma control, how asthma is diagnosed, asthma triggers and trigger reduction strategies, medication actions and side effects and assessment of device technique.
Session #2 and Session #3 (approximately 45 minutes long):
Assessment of asthma control including spirometry, development of a personalized Asthma Action Plan, peak flow technique and monitoring as well as addressing any potential barriers to adherence.
Annual or Semi-Annual Follow-up Sessions (approximately 45 minutes long):
Assessment of asthma control including spirometry, review device technique and action plan as well as any potential barriers to adherence.