Patient experience, understanding and self-management of asthma attacks: a qualitative study

Pradhan, A, Jayes, L ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5240-6286, Bains, M and Martin, MJ, 2025. Patient experience, understanding and self-management of asthma attacks: a qualitative study. Journal of Asthma. ISSN 0277-0903

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Abstract

Rationale: Asthma attacks (AA) are potentially life-threatening complications of asthma associated with high levels of morbidity, mortality and rising healthcare costs. Patient experience, impact and understanding of AA is poorly described in the literature. Enhanced understanding will identify unmet needs in asthma care and support the development of improved personalized strategies for managing and preventing attacks.

Objective: To explore patients’ experiences and understanding of AAs, the impact of AAs on their lives and self-management strategies during attacks.

Methods: Single center (UK) qualitative semi-structured interview study with 30 patients who recently had asthma attacks (≤4 wk). Data were analyzed using the framework approach.

Results: The patient experience and impact of AA varied, including recognizing an impending attack. Variation in patients’ self-management behaviors during AAs was observed and was influenced by prior experience of attacks and care received for these and other life priorities. Several behaviors previously recognized as contributory to asthma deaths, including short-acting β-agonist (SABA) overuse, poor recognition of the risk of adverse outcomes, and delay in seeking medical help were identified and reported. Most patients had a poor understanding of AAs and their management.

Conclusions: This study describes the differing impact of AA on patient experiences and understanding of asthma attacks. These differences, combined with healthcare factors and attack characteristics, affect patient self-management approaches. These findings highlight unmet needs in asthma attack care.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Journal of Asthma
Creators:	Pradhan, A., Jayes, L., Bains, M. and Martin, M.J.
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Date:	10 January 2025
ISSN:	0277-0903
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1080/02770903.2024.2449230 DOI 2344928 Other
Rights:	This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Asthma on 10 January 2025, available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2024.2449230
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	07 Apr 2025 08:44
Last Modified:	07 Apr 2025 08:44
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53361

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