asthma update | issue 46 | november 2012

1November 2012 I Asthma Update

AsthmaUpdate

Inside this issue...National Research

Asthma Assist

Partnerships in Action

Educating the community

Issue 46 November 2012

2 Asthma Update I November 2012

Asthma Update

PO Box 603 KENT TOWN SA 5071P: 0404 690 552E: [email protected]

Published by Asthma Australia© November 2012

Asthma Australia

Content Panel Jan Saunders, Sara Morgan, Emma Dunstan, Cathy Beswick, Paula Murray

Design Jo Weismann

ContentsWorking together to help people with asthma breathe better .......................................... 3

Partnerships in Action in the NT .................................. 4

From the CEO .................................................................. 6

Medicare Locals............................................................... 6

Toyota WA helping Asthma Foundation WA educators deliver sessions ............................................. 7

Support from your local pharmacist ............................. 8

Asthma Friendly Pharmacy ............................................ 9

National Research ........................................................ 10

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet ......................... 12

Community partnerships – helping people to breathe better … ......................... 12

Liftout feature: Our Partners ...................................... 13

Doctor referrals to local Asthma Foundations ........... 17

Livewire ......................................................................... 17

Partnerships across the Foundations: the most important person – you! ............................. 18

Supporting Workplaces to become Asthma Friendly ............................................. 19

Working with parent organisations to create asthma friendly environments for children ................................................................... 19

Educating the community: Live well with asthma .................................................. 20

Tackling Asthma in Australia – the next 5 years… ........................................................ 22

Lung Health Alliance…................................................ 23

Ask the Educator ........................................................ 24

10 things to Ask/Tell your Doctor .............................. 25

Caremonkey ................................................................ 26

Readers Survey ........................................................... 27

DisclaimerAll Asthma Australia information is endorsed by our Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee and is consistent with the National Asthma Council Australia clinical guidelines.

Asthma Australia information does not replace professional medical advice. People should ask their doctor any questions about diagnosis and treatment.

This magazine can be copied foreducation purposes.

People and services Their role

Asthma Foundation information – a starting point @ asthmaaustralia.org.au

Doctor Diagnosis using a lung function test (spirometry)MedicationsAsthma planMedical review

10 Things to ask/tell your doctor

Practice nurse/asthma educator

Understanding more about your asthma plan, medications and daily management

Basic facts Medications and devices

Pharmacist Medication supply Explaining how your medications and devices work best for you

Things to ask/tell your pharmacist

Asthma Australia is also conducting an Asthma Friendly Pharmacy Pilot Program (see article in this issue)

School and child care Asthma First Aid and Asthma Emergency Kits Asthma Friendly policy including the use of asthma plans and medication management

Children’s asthma in education and care services Asthma care plan for education and care services Asthma First Aid Training Asthma Emergency Kits (AEKs) Asthma Friendly education sessions Model policies including how to support families

Workplace Asthma First Aid and Asthma Emergency Kits Asthma Friendly policy explicit in workplace health and safety and related policies

Asthma First Aid Training Asthma Emergency Kits (AEKs) Asthma Friendly education sessions Model policiesSport/Recreational Asthma Friendly programs and AEKs

Hospitals Emergency care Referral to Asthma Foundations

Support and quality asthma information for self management

Asthma Foundations

To find out more:

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)

asthmaaustralia.org.au

Education, information, training, support Asthma Assist One on One Group sessions eg sessions for the community, seniors, and support for staff in aged care, disability services, community health. Sessions are available for people with English as second language Asthma Australia gives priority to helping those in the community with the greatest need.


Learning to manage your asthma involves conversations with your doctor to work out how you can reduce your asthma symptoms. The doctor will prescribe asthma medicines, and you might decide to see the same pharmacist to advise you about your asthma medications.

Often it can be difficult to know where to get help, and who is the best person to speak with regarding your asthma. There are many people who can assist you in keeping safe and well. Your local Asthma Foundation can support you at any stage by providing easy to understand, relevant information; education and training programs; and support.

Working together to help people with asthma breathe better

This edition of Asthma Update highlights how Foundations are working in partnerships to help people with asthma to breathe better.

Asthma Medications & DevicesA guide to help people with asthma

Asthma10 Things to Ask & Tell your

Doctor

Asthma Basic FactsHow people with asthma can stay safe and well

All Asthma Australia information is endorsed by our Medical and Scientific

Advisory Committee and is consistent with the National Asthma Council

Australia clinical guidelines.Asthma Australia information does not replace professional medical advice.

People should ask their doctor any questions about diagnosis and treatment.

©Asthma Australia September 2010

This can be copied for education purposes

This resource is supported by funding from the Australian Government under

the Asthma Management Program.

This brochure has been developed

for the community by Asthma Australia.

It provides basic facts about: — What is asthma and how do you recognise it?

— Who gets asthma and why? — How do people with asthma keep safe and well?

— How can you help someone with asthma?

To find out more about asthma

contact your local Asthma Foundation:

1800 645 130 (office hours)

asthmaaustralia.org.auTranslating and Interpreting Service: 131 450

Ask them to telephone your local

Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 (office hours)


Asthma is a significant health problem in Australia with prevalence rates that are high by international standards. Currently two million Australians have asthma and many of these are children.

The school program (ACAP) provides Asthma First Aid training to school and pre-school staff directly supports families with asthma and provides adolescents with self-management skills. As part of this program Asthma Foundation NT developed a strategic partnership with the NT Department of Education in order to engage with adolescents more effectively.

In collaboration with Anne Goodman, Education Advisor Health and Wellbeing, NT Department of Education and

Helen Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of NT School Sport a plan was developed that would promote and provide asthma messages including Asthma First Aid to adolescents engaged in various sporting activities.

Asthma Foundation NT was tasked with providing a short, fun, educational and practical information session for all students attending school sport events across the Northern Territory. This is part of the NT School Sports philosophy of actively providing opportunities for all NT students regardless of location, gender, ethnic and socio-economic background and for both able-bodied students and those students with a disability. As a consequence those students who participate

Partnerships in Action in the NT

in the NT School Sports program enjoy comprehensive educational programs and sports activities.

Two educational asthma programs were developed utilising Anne Goodman’s expertise in health and education.

The first involved a thirty minute educational session using an innovative tool called the Asthma Chatterbox. In these sessions students in the younger age groups folded the Asthma Chatterbox into a chamber that held questions and answers on appropriate asthma management. To further assist students with answers a visual flip board was used by the Asthma Foundation NT asthma educator that drew attention to various triggers that might be encountered at school, such as exercise, changes in the

weather and excessive use of deodorant sprays in confined spaces for example, sports change rooms. After learning about the Asthma First Aid protocol during these sessions the students enjoyed loudly chanting “4x4x4”.

Following the information sessions students had the opportunity to use their Asthma Chatterboxes to quiz friends and were able to take them home to share with their families.

The second educational program comprised a one hour presentation that was provided at seven Development Camps including the National Netball Championships that included players from all States and Territories. This session included an adolescent targeted DVD – “Running Short” and hands

on experience implementing Asthma First Aid using a blue reliever puffer and spacer. A certificate was then presented to students who could successfully demonstrate the appropriate steps in Asthma First Aid.

All sessions were evaluated using a student friendly format. Evaluation responses were overwhelmingly positive and included the following:

— Students liked “knowing about asthma” and saw this education beneficial as a way to “help friends and family who were having asthma”

— Students didn’t like “knowing people could die from asthma”

— Students liked “knowing lots of famous people had

asthma but it hadn’t stopped sports people, famous singers or celebrities achieving their best”

— They learnt “using your blue puffer more than three times a week was a sign that asthma was not well controlled”

— They learnt “a spacer made a big difference on how the puffer worked better”

Working in partnership with other organisations results in positive outcomes for all involved and in this instance increased the reach of lifesaving asthma messages to adolescents engaged in sporting activities across the Northern Territory with over 1000 students increasing their knowledge of asthma and receiving instruction in Asthma First Aid.



In this issue of Asthma Update, we focus on Asthma Australia and its Member Foundations’ wide range of partnerships and how these enable us to better reach and support people with asthma and their carers.

Asthma Australia’s mission is “Working together to help people with asthma and linked conditions to breathe better”. We work closely with individual consumers and carers and have strategic partnerships with community organisations; researchers; clinicians; corporate, workplace, sporting and industry bodies; and government.

In this issue you can read about some of these partnerships and how they help us to expand the impact of our education and training, community information and research programs and to support priority groups.

Our Commonwealth funded projects provide good evidence of how partnerships enable us to reach far more people that we would be able to if we worked in isolation.

The Asthma Community Support Program is funded by the Commonwealth government and since November 2009 has funded a full or part-time staff member (based on population) in each state and territory. In that time, through a partnership approach, we have provided support to over 26 000 people; provided over 100 000 resources and conducted 1222 community

education sessions. The Asthma Child and Adolescent Program has trained 140 000 staff in schools and preschools through 2880 sessions and developed support material for adolescents and families. Over 100 organisations and hundreds of trainers and training partners support this work.

A similar approach has guaranteed the success of our new National Research Program. Foundations have combined research funds to offer national merit-based grants. Selection of three successful applicants (see details in this issue) followed interest expressed by over 70 research groups and reviews undertaken by a similar number of researchers. We value highly our partnership with, and the commitment of, the asthma research community.

Asthma Australia and its Member Foundations will continue to actively build our partnerships so we ensure people with asthma and their carers can access information, education and support when they need it, in the form that makes it easiest for them to use. We extend our sincere appreciation to all our partners for their ongoing commitment to our shared mission of working together to help people with asthma breathe better – and our vision: to free the community of asthma.

From the CEO

Debra Kay Chief Executive Officer Asthma Australia

Medicare Locals have been established across the country to improve people’s access to health care within the community. A total of 61 Medicare Locals are in place to provide services to all Australians. They are ‘linking local GPs, nursing and other health professionals, hospitals and aged care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations, and maintaining up to date local service directories…. They will be accountable to local communities who will make sure that services are effective and of high quality.’ (yourhealth.gov.au).

The Asthma Foundations are liaising with Medicare Locals in each state and territory, endeavouring to ensure that respiratory health, including asthma, is high on the agenda and consumers in every community have access to an accredited Asthma Educator.

The asthmaaustralia.org.au website has a number of questions that can assist to plan visits with health professionals (see 10 Things to ask and tell your doctor and Ask and tell your pharmacist).

People are also encouraged to ask How do you know it’s asthma and to request a lung function (spirometry) test if they have not had one as part of their diagnosis.

Education: an important factor in living well with asthmaAs you will have seen throughout this edition, a key focus of our community work is delivering education sessions. These education sessions are held in a range of places; residential aged care facilities, schools, community centres and libraries. As our focus is on supporting all Australians with asthma, it means you can access sessions in the NT, the Wheat belt of WA, metropolitan Melbourne and right across regional, rural, and remote Australia.

Read more about our education sessions (see page 20)

A new partnership with Toyota WA has seen the Asthma Foundation WA secure four Prius C clean air vehicles, which produce significantly less emissions and minimise air pollution.

The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels found in vehicle exhaust fumes are known to have adverse health effects on people in our community, particularly those with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

“Toyota WA is very proud of our new community partnership with the Asthma Foundation WA,” said Toyota WA’s Regional General Manager, Michael Beros. “We understand that being able to

live with clean air is essential for people with asthma, and we are pleased to support the work that the Asthma Foundation WA does in helping to create a happier and healthier community into the future.”

“The Asthma Foundation WA is very grateful to Toyota WA for their support” said Foundation CEO, David Johnson.

The four vehicles will be utilised by the Foundation’s four asthma educators, enabling them to drive to their training and education sessions throughout the metropolitan area with a clear conscience.

Toyota WA helping Asthma Foundation WA educators deliver sessions


A recent study of 2860 primary school children throughout Australia revealed that nitrogen dioxide was present in the lungs of two thirds of the students tested at the 55 sample schools. ‘’Although air pollution levels are relatively low in most regions of Australia, they may not be low enough to prevent adverse health effects,’’ the report warned. This study is called the Australian Child Health and Air Pollution Study (ACHAPS - to find out more go to asthmaaustralia.org.au)

Among the children studied, there were 270 with asthma who were asked to keep a diary of their respiratory health. The diaries showed that the children with asthma had increased asthma symptoms and medication use when exposed to NO2.

8

Some questions to ask your pharmacist

Ask your pharmacist

What do I need to know about this asthma medicine?

— How will it help me?

— When do I take it?

— How do I take it?

— Are there side effects?

— Do other medicines affect my asthma?

Can you show me how to use my asthma medicines?

Do I need a spacer?

Tell your pharmacist

If you are coughing, wheezing or breathless – day or night

If you struggle to keep up with normal activity

If you use your blue reliever puffer three times or more per week

If you are unsure about the way your medications and devices can work best for you

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch and Asthma Foundation WA have formed a partnership to increase the quality of life for those living with asthma.

A referral process has been developed whereby every pharmacy customer with asthma in WA will be given a referral slip encouraging them to call Asthma Foundation WA and receive a free Asthma Control Pack.

Asthma Foundation WA will be providing asthma brochures and information to Pharmacy Guild members. Pharmacists will be able to pass these on to people with asthma.

“We know that asthma affects 1 in 10 Australians and is the leading cause of hospitalisation amongst children. Pharmacy is an accessible health care service, providing advice on quality care and best use of medicines and is available to make a valuable contribution to help people live active and healthy lives.”

The first activity occurred during National Asthma Week (September 1-7). Each WA Pharmacy Guild member received National Asthma Week promotional materials in a bid to increase awareness of the week and support that is available; and to encourage people to learn Asthma First Aid.

Established in 1928, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia is the national peak body representing community pharmacy. It seeks to serve the interests of its members and to support community pharmacy in its role delivering quality health outcomes for all Australians.

Support in Pharmacy

Support from your local pharmacistHaving a good relationship with your local pharmacy can be a great support in your asthma management. The pharmacy will hold records of your medications, which makes it easier to check if there will be interactions with new medications and to keep track of your pharmaceutical costs so that if you reach the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme Safety Net your pharmacist can then provide you with cheaper medication. Pharmacists are experts in medications, and are a good starting point if you have questions about your asthma medicines, devices and spacers.

1800 645 130

PAR

harmacysthmaeferral

Call the Asthma Foundation WA and receive your FREE Asthma Control Pack.

Supported by


preventer medication and rely on their reliever medication which provides temporary relief but can hide poorly controlled asthma. Pharmacists are well placed to talk with people about safe use of their asthma medications. Dr Simon Bowler, Chairman of the National Medical Scientific Advisory Committee, believes that the program will provide greater support to those living with asthma, and increase awareness of asthma in our communities.

“Too many people with asthma have poor quality of life because they don’t use their medication properly. If you are using your reliever medication three times or more per week, you should see your doctor about getting a new asthma action plan.”

A partnership between pharmacists and people with asthma is pivotal in ensuring asthma in Australia is well controlled. The Asthma Friendly Pharmacy program has commenced in Terry White Chemists within 50 communities

The Asthma Friendly Pharmacy program was launched during National Asthma Week (1-7 September) to support people living with asthma and to improve understanding of the condition. Asthma Australia, through the Asthma Friendly Pharmacy program, has conducted intensive training with 100 pharmacists and pharmacy assistants from Terry White Chemists in south east Queensland. This training enables Terry White Chemists’ accredited team members to assist people with their asthma medications; to link them with their doctor for medical review, and to their local Asthma Foundation for asthma self management information and support.

The training is the first step in establishing Asthma Friendly Pharmacies. Staff will be working to set up systems to make sure people with asthma get timely medication advice and referral. Research has shown that people with asthma often accept poorer quality of life than they need to; they often under-use their

in south east Queensland.

Terry White Chemists’ Advisory Pharmacist Krystel Tresillian said the group’s pharmacists were looking forward to working with Asthma Australia as part of a multidisciplinary health team to deliver improved patient outcomes.

“The correct use of asthma medications can literally save lives. But also, just managing the condition well can vastly improve a person’s quality of life,” said Ms Bird. “Working together - with Asthma Australia, a person’s doctor and other relevant health specialists - is a powerful way to tackle what is a significant problem.”

Do you have asthma, or care for someone with asthma?

Visit your pharmacist today to discuss your asthma medications

Contact your local Asthma Foundation

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 426)


Asthma Friendly Pharmacy


National ResearchFor over 50 years, Asthma Foundations throughout Australia have funded much needed asthma research, with each Foundation working locally with researchers to support people with asthma and their carers.

Many Foundation projects have made considerable contributions to global asthma research. Australian researchers are internationally recognised for their excellence in the field – of which our donors and supporters, can feel immensely proud.

In 2012, the Asthma Foundations decided to combine their resources and, for the first time, offer a combined grant funding opportunity on a national basis. We have recently announced the three successful applicants for our inaugural national grants. An overview of each of their projects follows.

National Research Council

The National Research Council was formed in 2012 to establish the National Research Program and ensure independence and excellence in all aspects of this work. Asthma Australia is very appreciative of the time and expertise which all Council Members give voluntarily to support this work. We also appreciate the generous support of the research community (see editorial). Members of the Council are:

— Michael Abramson MB BS PhD FRACP FAFPHM, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, Monash University

— Richard Beasley CZNM MBChB FRACP DM(Southampton) FAAAAI FRCP(London) DSc(Otago) FFOM(Hon)

— Professor Judith Black AO, MB BS Hons PhD FRACP (Hon), Professor of Pharmacology, University of Sydney

— Professor Louis Landau OA MBBS MD FRACP Hon D Litt Emeritus Professor and Honorary Senior Research Fellow, The University of Western Australia

— Dr Kay Price RN BN Dip T (Nurse Education) MN PhD Associate Professor Nursing and Midwifery

— Prof Richard Ruffin AM , Emeritus Professor Medicine, University of Adelaide (Chair)


Inaugural National Research ProgramsReminder Asthma Management Program (RAMP)

This project will evaluate a ‘reminder’ management approach designed to improve asthma control in 6-16 year old children with asthma.

The study The researchers will use an electronic monitoring device that records when preventive medication is taken and also reminds the subject to take their medication through the use of a preset alarm. They will measure participants’ adherence and asthma control at a subsequent medical consultation.

Potential impact This study will help us to better understand the difficulties experienced by children in adhering to use of their preventer medication; the aim is to explore the various barriers and needs of this group to inform a subsequent intervention.

Research team Chief Investigator, Dr Scott Burgess and Assoc Professor Carolyn Dakin work at the Mater Children’s Hospital. Carolyn is the acting director of the Respiratory and Sleep Unit.

Vitamin D links to childhood development of asthma and allergy

This study will investigate whether inadequate Vitamin D during infancy promotes development of persistent wheeze and/or asthma. It will focus on two major asthma risk factors: respiratory infection and allergic sensitisation.

The study Is Vitamin D intake during early childhood associated with:

— frequency and severity of lower respiratory tract infections, especially during the first two years of life;

— risk for sensitisation to

aeroallergens, particularly early sensitisation;

— wheezing symptoms during infancy, and its progression to asthma;

— rate of post-birth development of respiratory function, and hence risk for asthma development.

Potential impact This study will help us understand better whether vitamin D in childhood can help prevent or protect against asthma and allergy.

Research team Chief Investigator, Dr. Elysia Hollams, Division of Cell Biology at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. Co Chief Investigator, Professor Prue Hart, Inflammation Division at the Telethon Institute. Investigator, Associate Professor Guicheng Zhang, School of Paediatrics and Child Health (SPACH) at the University of Western Australia. Advisor, Professor Patrick Holt, is internationally recognised for his work on asthma and immunity.

Anti-Smoking Asthma Program (ASAP) for high schools - a pilot study and research phase

This study involves a peer-led education program to improve asthma outcomes and prevent tobacco smoking in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and disadvantaged young people. This will be followed by a small research study to determine if asthma in Indigenous youth is associated with a type of airway inflammation that causes more severe asthma with a poor response to corticosteroid therapy. None of these factors have been previously examined in Indigenous youth.

The study This pilot study is based on the Triple A (Adolescent Asthma Action) program with an added smoking prevention module. It will use Peer Leaders from Years 10 to educate Year 7 students about asthma using

videos, games and activities. They will guide them to critically analyse the issues faced by young people with asthma, such as taking medication, risk taking behaviours such as smoking, visiting their doctor and have them propose ways to address these barriers and present key messages through creative performances or art work. A previous review of Indigenous children admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital with a diagnosis of asthma showed that they have more severe asthma on presentation compared to non-Indigenous children. Professor Anne Chang will utilise data from the pilot study to identify Indigenous students with current respiratory symptoms. These students will then be evaluated by a respiratory specialist and sputum and pathology samples will be sent to Professor Peter Gibson for analysis.

Potential impact The project addresses two national priority areas: asthma, and smoking relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This study will help us to better understand how to minimise smoking uptake and related respiratory health risks for young people, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and in disadvantaged communities. The research has the potential to impact on respiratory health due to improved detection and subsequent management as this type of airway inflammation is amendable/modifiable.

Study Team Chief Investigator, Associate Professor Smita Shah, will work closely with the Northern Territory Asthma Foundation through CEO Jan Saunders and Asthma Educator Jill McGee.

Research Team Professor Anne Chang has expertise in clinical and research issues on respiratory conditions in children particularly those involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Professor Peter Gibson is the Director of the Asthma, Priority Research Centre at the Hunter Medical Research Institute.


Through word of mouth, Ron heard about Asthma Foundation SA’s information sessions and thought he would give one a try.

The one hour session has paved the way to a significant improvement in Ron’s asthma and overall quality of life.

“I came out of the discussions totally relieved in my mind. I learned how to use my medication properly so that it was more effective,” he recalled.

Ron also learned how to use a spacer, and how important a spacer is in effectively delivering reliever medication.

As a result of attending the session, Ron subsequently made an appointment with his GP who reviewed his medications and created an asthma action plan to help him recognise his symptoms.

Funding from Principal Partner Santos enables Asthma Foundation SA to provide one-on-one consultations, which can be accessed by calling 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462). During National Asthma Week, Santos funded a community awareness campaign encouraging people to register with Asthma Assist and obtain a free Asthma Control Pack.

“Asthma Foundation SA’s health educator has been an immense help to me and I am glad I have made the effort to visit and discuss my asthma with her.”

Community partnerships – helping people to breathe better …Ron Oxer, 75, from Adelaide’s western suburbs had a long history of feeling breathless. He was unable to complete basic activity around the house and was even forced to give up golf. Leaving the house made him very nervous because he felt that he never knew when his asthma symptoms would start – and he was using his blue puffer 4 to 5 times a day without a spacer.

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (AIH) is an innovative, national, internet resource that contributes to ‘closing the gap’ in health between Indigenous and other Australians by informing practice and policy in Indigenous health. Its ‘one-stop info-shop’ makes published, unpublished and specially-developed material about Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander health available for people interested in improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.

The purpose of the partnership between Asthma Australia and the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is to:

— Make accurate, relevant, up-to-date, high-quality information

on asthma in the Indigenous community freely available to those working or studying in this area

— Connect users of the respiratory section of HealthInfoNet to Asthma Australia services.

This is an excellent example of how we can enhance reach and impact through goodwill and cooperation.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet


Lift out feature!

Our Partners

My name is Clara and I am a Foundation Community Support Coordinator. There are many facets of my job that I find very rewarding but perhaps my favourite role is that of telephone counselling on the 1800 ASTHMA information line.

Lifeline training coupled with my past experience of assisting people with smoking cessation on the Quitline have instilled a great interest in the concept of active listening and in empowering people to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

Asthma lends itself so well to telephone counselling; callers have said they appreciate the ability to explore in detail the different aspects of their asthma management. A little bit of information goes a long way; simple tips such as using a spacer, correct device technique and general first aid information can really make a difference to peace of mind and quality of life for people with asthma and their carers.

A young woman rang the Asthma Assist Line recently in a shaken state as she had experienced her first severe asthma attack on a fun run the previous day. At first she ignored the symptoms and kept on running, determined to keep up with her friends.

She had remembered to carry her blue reliever puffer with her

Asthma Australia is delighted to announce with Britex the funding of 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) phone calls to Foundations from people anywhere in Australia. This partnership covers a 2 year period, and commenced in August this year.

The key objective of the partnership is to support Asthma Australia’s mission to help people with asthma and linked conditions to breathe better through provision of the 1800 ASTHMA information line. The Britex sponsorship means consumers will not have to pay for the telephone calls to the information line – and neither will the Foundations: Britex will cover this cost.

What is Asthma Assist?

This service provides people with asthma or a person caring for someone with asthma, support and information to help them live well through good self management. The 1800 ASTHMA information line is one way of accessing Asthma Assist. 1800 ASTHMA is supported by the Foundations’ online, face to face and print information and education services.

What is Britex?

Britex sell a range of products including carpet shampoo systems and vacuum cleaners with UV components that kill dust mites. However this partnership does not imply endorsement of these products by Asthma Australia rather that both organisations share the same mission of assisting people with asthma.

Our Partners

1800 ASTHMA Information Line

The 1800 ASTHMA number is available anywhere in Australia. When you ring, you will be connected to your local Foundation.

Meet one of the 1800 ASTHMA staff members:


Why do people ring the Asthma Assist 1800 ASTHMA information line? The 1800 ASTHMA phone line receives over 11 000 calls per year. It is a general asthma information line, not an emergency number, and operates during business hours.

These calls and the queries we receive help us understand common themes or concerns in the community regarding asthma and informs all our work.

Just over 10% of the calls we receive relate to product information. This means people are ringing to find out about a particular product, for example a nebuliser or air filter. Often products are marketed or advertised as being helpful or reducing asthma symptoms.

Asthma Australia’s Position on ProductsOur National Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MASAC) gives expert advice to Foundation staff to ensure we comply with our National Products Policy

We are committed to ensuring any product-related advice given to consumers is evidence-based; clear about what we know and do not know about potential product benefit; and supports people to make an informed choice.

This is particularly important because of the lack of evidence about the benefit of products to people with

asthma. Our National MASAC provided the following statement, which appears on our website (asthmaaustralia.org.au):

‘There are several domestic products on the market which imply they benefit people with asthma, either directly or by association. We are not aware of studies which consistently show clinical benefits of individual products, such as preventing the disease, improving the symptoms, or reducing the risk of exacerbations. In a few cases there may be single studies which show a benefit, but there are also other similar studies where such benefits did not occur, and so the findings are inconsistent.

This is not to say that the products do not perform as they are intended to from a technical perspective. Vacuum cleaners do pick up dust from a floor, washing machines do clean clothes, the air coming out of an air filter is cleaner than the air going in, some carpets hold less dust than other types of carpets etc. However when individual products are used in normal houses over time, they have not been shown to consistently provide clinical improvements in asthma.

This is also not to say that exposure to domestic allergens such as those from cats, dogs, cockroaches, dust mites or fungi are never important in asthma. It is likely they can be important for some people, at some time, but not for all people with

but was reluctant to use it, thinking that her symptoms would go away on their own. A few minutes later she found she was simply unable to breathe. This was an extremely frightening experience for her, one she hopes will never happen again.

She rang the Asthma Assist Line to find out what she could do to reduce her risk of a similar event occurring in the future. We discussed Asthma First Aid in detail and the importance of recognising and treating symptoms as soon as they arise. We chatted about the roles of relievers and preventers and when to use them, the importance of spacer use, Asthma Action Plans and the need for regular reviews by her GP. A variety of hard copy resources were sent to her to consolidate the information given. The young woman was really grateful to be able to ask a myriad of questions about asthma from the comfort of her home, reassured by the enhanced knowledge and understanding of asthma and looking forward in a positive way to better management of her asthma.

Meet one of the 1800 ASTHMA staff members:

N.B. Calls to 1800 ASTHMA are free, except from mobiles. Currently, mobile calls to 1800 numbers will incur a charge from your mobile carrier.

How do I ring 1800 ASTHMA?

No matter where you are in Australia you are able to ring the 1800 ASTHMA information line thanks to our partnership with Britex. The words ASTHMA – stand for numbers – most phones will have numbers and letters on the keypad. To ring you dial 1800, then simply spell ASTHMA on your key pad as follows:

1800 278 462 –

A = 2

S = 7

T = 8

H = 4

M = 6

A = 2

Pharmaceutical companies form a special group of product manufacturers. They make products which have been proven to help people with asthma; they are a commercial enterprise; they compete with each other; and they depend on sales to people with asthma.

The pharmaceutical industry forms one of the four pillars of the government’s National Medicines Policy (@ health.gov.au):

1. Timely access to the medicines that Australians need, at a cost individuals and the community can afford;

2. Medicines meeting appropriate standards of quality, safety and efficacy;

3. Quality use of medicines; and

4. Maintaining a responsible and viable medicines industry.

Pharmaceutical companies that make respiratory medications also share Asthma Australia’s mission – working in partnerships to help people with asthma breathe better.

Asthma Australia and its Member Foundations must seek to work with pharmaceutical companies in ways that benefit consumers while in no way compromising our autonomy and capacity for independent advocacy on behalf of consumers.

Pharmaceutical companies must follow Medicine Australia’s Code of Conduct (medicinesaustralia.com.au/code-of-conduct/code-of-conduct-current-edition/) when working with ‘patient groups’ such as Asthma Australia. At the time of writing, the new Medicines Australia Code of Conduct (Edition 17) had been submitted to the Australian Competition and Consumer

Commission for approval.

Medicines Australia (medicinesaustralia.com.au) represents the pharmaceutical industry. Medicines Australia and the Consumers Health Forum have developed ‘Working together – a guide to relationships between Health Consumer Organisations and Pharmaceutical Companies’ (chf.org.au/pdfs/fac/fac-Working-together-guide-2008.pdf). While this gives broad guidance to relationships, Asthma Australia and its member Foundations are working on more detailed principles and protocols for these relationships. If you have some questions you think we should ask pharmacies as we build our partnerships with them, or you have some ideas about how we should do this, please email your questions to [email protected]

asthma who are allergic, and not at all times. At present we do not know enough about the different risks and patterns of allergen exposure, how to identify the subset of allergic people who might benefit from reduced exposure, and how to use the different products in combination to obtain a possible clinical benefit.

More research is needed in this area.’

Asthma Australia is keen to work in partnership with product manufacturers, many of whom have a strong commitment to clean air and helping people with asthma to breathe better. By working together, we can make sure any information provided to consumers is accurate, and also build the capacity of Foundations to reach and support as many people as possible.

We follow a number of principles in our partnerships with product manufacturers:

Working with pharmaceutical companies

Product advice given by Asthma Australia will:— Be nationally consistent— Cite any scientific evidence of positive or negative health impact— Encourage people to ask questions and select a product that will best

meet their health and lifestyle needs. In entering into a partnership with a product manufacturer, Asthma Australia:— Can promote the support of that company for the work of Asthma

Australia— Will not promote a product as being beneficial to people with

asthma unless this is proven to the satisfaction of Asthma Australia. In responding to any request for product endorsement, Asthma Australia will:— Ensure that any claim made for the product is accurate— Refuse to endorse a product based on the grounds that “there is no

evidence this product will deleteriously effect the health of a person with asthma”

— Refrain from any product exclusivity agreement based on stated benefits to consumers when similarly effective products exist in the market

— Make a clear distinction between sponsorship by companies that support the goals of Asthma Australia and overt or potentially implied product endorsement.

The words used by companies supporting Asthma Australia must avoid any suggestion of product benefit to people with asthma unless Asthma Australia is satisfied the claim made for the product is accurate. Where there is no scientifically proven benefit, statements such as:“Product X: Helping cure asthma in Australia” would be unacceptable“Product X: Proud sponsors of Organisation Y” would be acceptable.


In May this year, Asthma Foundation NSW launched a pilot program in which GPs and practice nurses refer people to the local Asthma Foundation 1800 telephone education and support service. In the first three months of the referral service going live, there were 198 referrals from 104 different GPs and practice nurses. Around half the conversations have been with parents about their child with asthma; the remainder frequently starts by talking with an adult about their asthma, and sometimes extends to the whole family. Some people just have one conversation with staff; with others staff follow their progress and link back to their GP to make sure everyone is aware of any changes. We’ve had great feedback from people with asthma and their GPs, who have all found the service to be useful and a really helpful addition to the care provided in General Practice.

Asthma Foundation NSW is working with Asthma Foundations around the country on plans to extend the referrals nationally so that everyone in Australia can get involved.

When Foundations and doctors work together, it is the person with asthma who benefits. Doctors have limited time – usually around 10-15mins with each person. Often people think of questions after they have left the surgery. Following up with a phone call or education session with your local Foundation can really make a difference as this story shows:

Today I called a (Somalian) mother of a 7 year old boy, who has just been diagnosed with asthma. It did not appear a surprise to her as her other children have asthma. He was prescribed a preventer in addition to his reliever medication.

When asked if she was confident with the device techniques, she said her son finds it difficult to use the orange preventer as it is a different shape to the blue puffer. He had been prescribed an Accuhaler (see our Medications brochure asthmaaustralia.org.au to learn more) which he had not used before and was not comfortable with it. Because of this her son, had stopped using his medication altogether.

Her son had an appointment in a week’s time. Due to his asthma symptoms affecting his daily life, I strongly recommended seeing the doctor sooner and with her consent offered to make contact with the doctor.

In the meantime, I spent time explaining asthma, medications and what symptoms to look out for. The mother told me this information was so useful. She accepted my offer of an Asthma Control Pack.

I followed up with the doctor, who is now changing the type of asthma device the little boy will use.

The doctor was pleased with the support provided; and she thanked us for our assistance.

I am very pleased that we managed to provide information and feedback to both patient and doctor to help this family breathe better.

Doctor referrals to local Asthma Foundations

Livewire (livewire.org.au), a program of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, is a free and

safe online peer support community to help young people aged 10 to 21 years, and their families, manage the impact of a

serious illness, chronic health condition or disability.

Asthma Australia has formed a partnership with Livewire as part of our work under the Commonwealth funded Asthma Child and Adolescent Program in schools. The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand has assisted Asthma Australia to promote this partnership by referring

young people – particularly those for whom their asthma significantly impacts on their quality of life - to Livewire. Schools have also made referrals.

Once they are registered with Livewire young people and their parents can join in monitored online communication to share their experiences and offer support to each other. They can also access an

Asthma Australia page within the Livewire website which links them to asthma information and support via their local Asthma Foundation.

Livewire


Partnerships across the Foundations: the most important person – you!Territorians with asthma to breathe easier following ACT budget win

Over 35,000 Canberrans living with asthma are set to benefit from ACT Government funding leading to new and innovative approaches to enhance and streamline management of their condition.

The funding boost will lead to better outcomes for people living with the condition and their families. In the recent ACT Government Budget, the Foundation was awarded close to $100,000 per annum over three years to develop and implement an Asthma Support Network in the ACT.

This vital investment will ensure that key asthma service and support groups are able to develop new and innovative practices aimed at reducing the complications of asthma and helping to keep people out of hospital.

The funding will enable the Foundation to model best practice chronic disease self-management and primary health care in the ACT, with consumer input vital at all stages of the program.

Under the initiative the Network will work closely with health care professionals, community organisations and people with asthma to improve asthma self-management practices and reduce the impact of the condition on people with asthma and their carers. It will also improve coordination between asthma services, support groups and health professionals to ensure efficient referral pathways and optimal support.

The Foundation will invite a consumer representative to sit on the Network’s Steering Committee and will seek input from people with asthma and their carers on what they think needs to be done to improve support at each stage of the asthma journey.

This exciting consumer driven collaboration will ensure that we understand why people do not access services and what the barriers are to successful self-management. Input from extensive consultation during the first year will directly inform the program and initiatives delivered across the ACT.

If you would like to be involved in changing how people with asthma and their carers are supported, we would be delighted to talk with you. For more information on getting involved contact [email protected]

VolunteersNeededfor Asthma Studies

Do you have severe asthma?

Do you regularly use high doses of inhaled or oral medication?

Researchers across a number of Australian hospitals are trialling a potential new treatment for severe asthma and are

seeking volunteers to take part in two international studies.

For more information call 1800 800 285

This study is open to participants aged 12 and over. Participants receive study related treatment and study related respiratory care at no cost. This study has been approved by a

Research Ethics Committee. Information is kept confidential.

Cutterguide: N/A Printing Process: OffsetGD: PN31505

Size: 96 x 135 mm (non-bleed) Pages: 1 Colors: C M Y K (4 Color) Color Profile: ISO CoatedNative File: Indesign CS5 Windows Generated in: Acrobat Distiller 9.0

C-APJ-2012-769-GSK Sponsored-D2.indd 1 10/17/2012 2:59:26

Study sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline.

Recognise the signs of an asthma attack and learn Asthma First Aid.

It’s time to take asthma seriously.

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) asthmaaustralia.org.au

Be prepared.Become Asthma Friendly.

Information about this research has been included here, at no cost, as part of Asthma Australia’s commitment to letting people know about research so they can take part if they choose to


Working with parent organisations to create asthma friendly environments for childrenOur commitment to supporting children’s services is strengthened through our collaboration with Kindergarten Parents Victoria Inc (KPV). KPV is a peak body representing the voice of Victorian parents in early childhood education.

Asthma Foundation Victoria has been involved in KPV‘s annual conference, Together we Grow, for many years and Foundation staff also attend and exhibit at other KPV events. At the conferences, there are many opportunities provided to work with decision makers in children’s services as well as parents and carers.

The key aim is to provide best practice asthma guidelines, general advice and support, information and tools, as well as training opportunities.

Children’s services take this knowledge and apply the policies and guidelines in their own centres and communities, helping ensure children with asthma are safe and well.

Supporting Workplaces to become Asthma FriendlySouth Australian Universities committed to becoming Asthma Friendly

South Australian educational institutions University of South Australia (UniSA) and Flinders University have made a commitment to being Asthma Friendly across their campuses.

UniSA staff attended Asthma First Aid training at Mawson Lakes, City East, Currie Street, City West and Magill campuses, while Flinders University have updated their University Housing team of over 20 live-in residential staff who have a duty of care to over 500 residents living on campus.

Australian workplaces are impacted directly by people unable to work due to their asthma. Asthma First Aid training can be provided at any workplace in a one hour training session.

In South Australia, the Asthma Friendly Workplace program is supported by SA Power Networks.

To find out more about your work place becoming Asthma Friendly

Contact your local Foundation

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)


“The Asthma First Aid session gave me a more comprehensive overview of

what to do in an asthma emergency and the checklist provided was a great

way to remember and go over the situation.” – UniSA staff member


Educating the community: Live well with asthmaWhen Denise Hoffman attended a Live Well with Asthma workshop in Maryborough she didn’t realise exactly what she was going to get out of the education session.

With her eight year old son, Allan, diagnosed with asthma aged five, requiring regular visits to the doctor and hospital due to his asthma, the workshop gave Denise a real ‘buzz’.

Below is the story of how local Maryborough Asthma Educator, Jodie Chew, provided Denise with the tools and confidence to support her little boy...

A step in the right direction

I don’t have asthma myself, so when Allan was diagnosed, it was all a blur.

I work daily with people with disabilities and now my eyes are opened to

understanding the disability of asthma and what people with asthma go

through.

The one hour workshop that I attended has changed my life, and in return,

I am sure will change Allan’s. I got so much out of it. I know that what I

learned will help me to better help my son to breathe better and take control

of his condition.

To be honest, I really didn’t know that asthma was so serious – the statistics

shared of 400 Australians dying each year of asthma is alarming.

Before the workshop, I didn’t know about Asthma Action Plans or that

using a spacer with medications is ideal. Since obtaining my new found

knowledge, I have made a doctor’s appointment for Allan to discuss putting

this plan in place and revisiting his medications. The Medication Brochure

handed out at the workshop was the best resource I received – it has given

me the confidence to discuss in more detail with my doctor if Allan’s

medications are the right ones for him.

Also now, an Asthma First Aid fridge magnet takes prime location in

the centre of our fridge giving me peace of mind that anyone in our

household knows what to do in an asthma emergency!

I am so glad that I took the time to take part in this workshop –

I feel a weight is lifted off my shoulders as I got so much out of it.

I encourage everyone affected by asthma to attend a workshop

presented by their local Asthma Foundation – it has changed my

life and I am so thankful to Jodie for presenting me with such useful information.

Denise Hoffman, Maryborough



Our workshopsIf your asthma is limiting your quality of life, your local Asthma Foundation invites you to join us to attend our free workshop designed for your local community.

The Live Well with Asthma workshops are part of the Asthma Australia’s Community Support Program funded by the Australian Government. If you have asthma, or care for someone with asthma – this workshop may just change your life.

If you...

— wake up coughing, wheezing or breathless

— struggle to keep up with normal activity

— use your blue reliever puffer three times or more a week

— are unsure about the way your medications can work best for you

If you answered yes, these are signs you may not be living

well with asthma – the Live Well with Asthma workshops can

help you to take control of your asthma and breathe better.

People attending the workshop will learn all about asthma symptoms, triggers and medications; the importance of an asthma action plan; and what to do in an emergency (when someone has an asthma attack). The workshop also advises people with asthma on correct technique for asthma devices.

Education – the keyIt was back in 1996 that Jodie Chew, a Registered Nurse at Maryborough Hospital’s Emergency Department undertook her first Asthma Educator course.

As a mother of a child with asthma, Jodie became involved with Asthma Foundation Queensland in order to help to improve the quality of life for people with asthma, including her son.

We asked Jodie what she enjoys most about being an Asthma Educator...

“I enjoy giving people with asthma the opportunity to gain a little bit of knowledge in how to live well and take control of their condition. It’s amazing how education can make such a big difference to their lives.”

To find out more about Live well with Asthma sessions Contact your local Asthma Foundation

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)



An Asthma Foundation Queensland educator, undertaking workshop training


Asthma Australia and its member Foundations will be hosting the Tackling Asthma conference in March next year. This will provide an opportunity for those interested in influencing and improving asthma management to hear and share ideas. The ultimate aim of the conference is to provide recommendations focused on improving asthma care in Australia.

Overview:

— Current asthma research, management and policy

— Innovation and excellence in asthma community care and self-management

— Work being undertaken by Asthma UK and the potential for partnership and global activity

Participants will be invited to contribute to the conference recommendations which will be presented to the Members of Federal Parliament.

The conference will be held in Canberra in its centenary year. Canberra – the national meeting place.

We invite health practitioners, community educators and those with a responsibility for keeping people with asthma safe and well in the community. This includes:

— Respiratory, practice, school and hospital nurses

— General practitioners

— Pharmacists

— Community health workers

— Researchers

— First aid providers

— Community sector representatives from schools, early childhood education and care, workplace and sport and recreation organisations

— Government decision-makers

— Industry representatives

— Corporate and other supporters

To find out more, please go to asthmaaustralia.org.au for further details

Asthma Foundation consumer representatives will also participate.

To stay updated on what is happening with the conference and Asthma Australia

Go to our website asthmaaustralia.org.auFollow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter @AsthmaAus, and look for the #TacklingAsthma hashtag

Tackling Asthma in Australia – the next 5 years…


Lung Health Alliance

Earlier this year Asthma Australia was proud to be a co-signatory to the Statement of Collaborative Intent 2012-2015, marking the formation of the Lung Health Alliance. The following is an extract from the Statement.

The Lung Health Alliance is a collective of national respiratory not for profit organisations working together to improve the lung health of individuals and communities in Australia and to contribute to the global effort for lung health. The following organisations are members of the Alliance:

— Asthma Australia

— Australian Respiratory Council

— Cystic Fibrosis Australia

— National Asthma Council Australia

— The Australian Lung Foundation

— The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

The Lung Health Alliance acknowledges the personal, social and economic cost of respiratory illness1

— About 6 million Australians reported suffering from a chronic respiratory disease in 2004-05

— In 2007-2008, general practitioners in Australia managed respiratory problems more than any other condition (19% of all encounters)

— In 2006, diseases of the respiratory system were the third most common underlying causes of death (8%) in Australia

— In 2004-05, Australia spent $3.3 billion directly on respiratory disease, making this the sixth highest disease expenditure group

— In 2004, the global leading cause of death among children under the age of five was acute respiratory infections and a leading cause of loss of healthy life years2.

The Lung Health Alliance has established principles and priorities for working together and members have committed to share and progress issues related to respiratory health.

1 Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory disease in Australia, 2010(aihw.gov.au)

2 Global health risks, mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major health risks, 2009, World Health Organisation


I don’t feel that my GP spends enough time understanding my asthma issues…..

Communication between you and your doctor is so important. It is essential that your doctor hears your concerns and questions, and reviews all diagnostic and clinical findings. It is very important for you to be able to express your desires, concerns and expectations.

As a patient you only have a few minutes at each visit.

Here are some tips:

Make a list ahead of time of the concerns you want to discuss with your doctor. It can be difficult to remember exactly what you want to ask when the clock is ticking and you have limited time to talk. Take notes of what the doctor tells you so you can refer to them later – and possibly discuss with your local Asthma Foundation to get further general information or explanation.

– If your list is long, or if you think you’ll need more time, ask the receptionist to book

All Asthma Australia information is endorsed by our Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee and is consistent with the National Asthma Council clinical guidelines. Asthma Australia information does not replace professional medical advice. People should ask their doctor any questions about diagnosis and treatment.

Ask the Educator:Getting the most out of your GP visit.

Time spent with your GP is vital – here’s some help in getting great results from your doctor visits.

If you have questions you would like answered – please submit these to [email protected]

you a long appointment, or book in a future appointment for other issues.

– Begin with a summary of your problems and what you want to achieve from the visit. Try to be clear in listing your symptoms.

– Bring a current complete list of your medications with you including complementary, herbal and over the counter medications. Some people may mention a side effect without realising it could be one of their non-prescription medications.

– Remember that doctors can’t always tell you what you want to hear. Take the time to think about their advice. Doctor shopping just to get the answer you want can put your health at risk.

It is important to remember that doctors are not only hearing your words, but they are also observing you physically to begin their assessment process. People do better with doctors they trust and with whom they

can communicate. If you are not comfortable with your doctor, or continue to feel that your doctor is not listening to you, it may be best to find another doctor. You are paying for the service after all!

What about asthma?

Ask your doctor for a lung function test. This is called spirometry. This test will confirm whether you have asthma, or not. Remember if you have just been diagnosed with asthma to ask your doctor what further support is available locally. Is there a local asthma educator, do they have a referral process to the local Asthma Foundation?

Although some doctors might have referral processes set up, others will not. Remember, anyone can ring 1800ASTHMA to get quality asthma information.

Check out Asthma Australia’s 10 Things to ask and tell your doctor. It is a simple guide to helping the conversation around asthma, medications and working toward living well with asthma.


10 things toask your doctor

Symptoms

1. How can I tell if my asthma is well managed – and if it’s not?

Triggers

2. Can I identify the triggers that make my asthma worse?

3. Can I do anything about them?

4. If exercise sets off my asthma, how can I still keep active?

Medication/Devices

5. What medication and device do I need – and why?

6. How do I use them?

7. When do I take them – every day/some days?

8. Do I need them when I am well?

Asthma plan

9. Can I have a written asthma action plan?

10. When should I see you again?

10 things totell your doctor

Symptoms

1. If you are coughing, wheezing or breathless - day or night

2. If you struggle to keep up with normal activity

Triggers

3. Anything that seems to trigger/make your asthma worse

4. What you do about your triggers and whether this helps

Medication/Devices

5. How often you take your blue reliever puffer

6. How often you take your preventer medication

7. How you use your device

8. If you are using any other medications or complementary (non-medical) therapies

Asthma plan

9. You would like an asthma action plan

10. You would like a regular asthma review

A Queensland mum has developed asthma bags for children based on her experiences with her daughter’s asthma.

Bello Alito (which translates to beautiful breath) spokesperson, Alita Howlett, hopes that the MyAsthmaBagTM will assist families with their children’s asthma and empower young people to self-manage their asthma.

Bello Alito supports Asthma Australia through the sales of their products whcih incorporate the Asthma Australia first aid poster.

For more information go to belloalito.org.au

26

How many times have you given a carer a copy of an asthma plan? Have you shared your asthma plan with your family, friends, teachers, colleagues, sports coach? Have you prepared others well enough to look after you or someone else you love?

Sadly, most people don’t share their asthma plan with anyone. Kind of defeats the purpose doesn’t it? An asthma plan is designed to keep you or your loved ones safe, perhaps even save a life one day.

Troy and Lorna Westley have a family with seven children, two of them have asthma. Lorna also has asthma. According to Troy, when he found his step-son’s asthma plan in the filing cabinet the idea was born for CareMonkey, an internet based social care app for sharing care information, including asthma plans.

“What’s the use of an asthma plan if nobody reads it?” he thought. “This is why we built the CareMonkey app” Troy says, “we wanted to be able to easily share care instructions and emergency contact details with people that might need them one day”. CareMonkey (www.caremonkey.com) is a free social care app for people to keep track of and share care information with people they trust (the ‘carers’).

Using the CareMonkey app a user can create care profiles for people containing information such as emergency contacts, health and safety alerts (such as allergies, medications, asthma plans, etc), immunisations, family history, blood type, organ donor details, health and ambulance insurance details and much more. Users can electronically share these care profiles with family, friends, teachers and other carers.

Research from Asthma Australia shows that only around a quarter of people with asthma use an asthma plan even though written asthma action plans have been part of the best practice guidelines for helping people with asthma for at least 20 years.

CareMonkey solves the problem of how to distribute asthma plans and other care information to all of a person’s carers. Permission to access a care profile can be assigned permanently, such as to a parent or sibling, or on an ad-hoc basis, such as to a teacher or family friend looking after a child for a weekend or a holiday.

The CareMonkey application is also useful for travellers to share health and safety information amongst themselves, for siblings to manage the care of elderly parents, and for groups of friends to be able to take care of each other when out and about.

Asthma Australia and CareMonkey share a commitment to identify, implement and promote actions that contribute to the safety and well-being of people with health care needs, particularly in relation to asthma. They aim to do this, in the first instance, by supporting good communication about asthma, including between a person with asthma and their carers. CareMonkey is an exciting new development that provides a simple and effective way to upload asthma plans and care instructions and then share this important information with family, friends and other trusted carers. The CareMonkey web app is free for anyone to use at www.caremonkey.com.

An easy way to share asthma action plans and care instructions


Readers’ Survey Results – Asthma Plans

Asthma Update Issue 45 -

Thank you to everyone for your invaluable contribution to our Asthma Plan survey

Here are the results

Do you have a written plan? 54.7% - Yes 45.3% - No

Who provided the plan? Most people were provided with a plan by their doctor. Several people actually wrote up their own plans – meaning they wrote down themselves what the doctor had told them as a record to help remember what to do.

If no, would having an asthma plan help? 76.9% - yes 23.1% - No

Overwhelmingly Readers’ responded – that Everyone with asthma should have a plan.

What is the best thing to have written down to help with asthma management? What to do in an emergency – when to call 000

Medication, what to take, when to take it, when to increase medication – preventers, remember to use them even if you feel well

Symptoms – what are symptoms, what to do when they increase or get worse

What to do if medications are not working

When you have symptoms – how do you respond with your asthma plan

Managing asthma through illness, e.g. a cold

There was a very clear message to doctors and nurses in Australia regarding plans:

– Plans are so important to us

– Review and update my plan

– Make sure the plan is legible, simple and I understand it

– Is it being followed? Is it useful? Check this and review it

I have been told I have asthma by my doctor. Almost the minute I left the surgery I had forgotten a lot of what was said. If I had an asthma plan, this would help me understand what this all means for me.

Asthma Australia is looking closely at this feedback, and is working toward developing an asthma plan template in the near future – watch this space!

If you have further thoughts, ideas or suggestions regarding asthma plans, please contact the [email protected]

Because when you aren’t well or breathing properly you lack the energy and oxygen to make decisions

What are the key issues from your point of view? In what areas do we need to concentrate our efforts, when in conversations with government and policy makers?

— Wood smoke

— Cost of medications/spacers

— Air Quality

— Tobacco

— Work place discrimination

— Other

— Who would you like to see us working with on these issues?

Please complete the postcard and send it in. The survey is also available online at asthmaaustralia.org.au

• No regular wheeze, or cough or chest

tightness at night time, on waking or

during the day

• Able to take part in normal physical

activity without wheeze, cough or

chest tightness

• Need reliever medication less than thr

ee

times a week (except if it is used before

exercise)

• Peak Flow* above

What should I do?

Continue my usual treatment as follows

:

Preventer

Reliever

Combination Medication

Always carry my reliever puffer

• At the first sign ofworsening asthma

symptoms associated with a cold

• Waking from sleepdue to coughing,

wheezing or chest tightness

• Using reliever puffer more than 3 time

s a

week (not includingbefore exercise)

• Peak Flow* between

and

What should I do?

Increase my treatment as follows:

See my doctor to talk about my asthma

getting worse

• Need reliever puffer every 3 hours or

more often

• Increasing wheezing, coughing,

chest tightness

• Difficulty with normal activity

• Waking each nightand most mornings w

ith

wheezing, coughingor chest tightness

• Feel that asthmais out of control

• Peak Flow* between

and

What should I do?

Start oral prednisolone (or other steroi

d)

and increase my treatment as follows:

See my doctor for advice

Dial 000 for an ambulance and/or 112

from a mobile phone if you have any of

the following danger signs:

• extreme difficultybreathing

• little or no improvement from

reliever puffer

• lips turn blue

and follow the Asthma First Aid Plan below

while waiting for ambulance to arrive.

A serious asthma attack is also

indicated by:

• symptoms gettingworse quickly

• severe shortnessof breath or difficult

y

in speaking

• you are feeling frightened or panicked

• Peak Flow* below

Should any of theseoccur, follow the

Asthma First Aid Plan below.

Asthma First Aid Plan

1 Sit upright and stay calm.

2 Take 4 separate puffs of a reliever

puffer (one puff at atime) via a spacer

device. Just use thepuffer on its own if

you don’t have a spacer. Take 4 breaths

from the spacer after each puff.

3 Wait 4 minutes. Ifthere is no

improvement, take another 4 puffs.

4 If little or no improvement CALL AN

AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY (DIAL 000

and/or 112 from mobile phone) and

state that you are having an asthma

attack. Keep taking4 puffs every 4

minutes until the ambulance arrives.

See your doctor immediately after a

serious asthma attack.

My Asthma Action Plan

Name:.......................................................

................................... Date: ....................

........................ BestPeak Flow*:.............

.............. Next Doctor’s Appointment:.....

..................................................................

.........

* Not recommendedfor children under 1

2 years

Dr name: ..................................................

........Ph....................................Signature.

.............................................

Parent/Carer ............................................

............................................................ Ph.

.............................................

4 If little or no improvement CALL AN

AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY (DIAL 000

and/or 112 from mobile phone) and

state that you are having an asthma

attack. Keep taking4 puffs every

4 minutes until the ambulance arrives.

When my asthma is

WELL CoNTRoLLED

When my asthma is

GETTING WoRSE

How to recognise

LIFE-THREATENINGASTHMA

When my asthma is

SEvERE

My Asthma Action Plan

What happens in asthma?

Asthma inflames theairways. During an a

sthma attack, the air

passages (airways) of the lungs become

inflamed, swollen and

narrowed. Thick mucus may be produce

d and breathing becomes

difficult. This leads to coughing, wheezin

g and shortness of breath.

Asthma Triggers

Common asthma triggers are house dus

t mite, pollens, animal fur,

moulds, tobacco smoke, and cold air. It i

s unusual but somefoods

may trigger asthmaattacks.

Exercise is a common asthma trigger bu

t can be well managed with

pre-exercise medication and warm-up ac

tivities.

Useful telephone numbers

• Asthma Foundation 1800 645 130 for in

formation and advice

about asthma management

• My pharmacy:.......................................

...........................................

This written AsthmaAction Plan will help

you to manage yourasthma.

Your Asthma ActionPlan should be disp

layed in a place where it can be seen by

you and others whoneed to know.

You may want to photocopy it.

How your preventermedicine helps

Your preventer medicine reduces the red

ness and swelling inyour airways and dr

ies up

the mucus. Preventers take time to work

and need to be takenevery day, even whe

n you

are well.

Preventer medications are: Qvar (beclom

ethasone), Flixotide(fluticasone), Intal F

orte

CFC-Free (sodium cromoglycate), Pulmi

cort (budesonide), Singulair (monteluka

st) and

Tilade CFC-Free (nedocromil).

How your relievermedicine helps

Your reliever medicine relaxes the musc

les around the airways, making the airwa

ys wider

and breathing easier. It works quickly to

relieve asthma symptoms, so it is essent

ial for

asthma first aid.

Reliever medications are: Airomir, Asmo

l, Epaq and Ventolin(all brands of salbut

amol)

and Bricanyl (terbutaline).

How your symptomcontroller helps

Symptom controllers can help people wh

o still get symptomseven when they take

regular

preventer medicines. If you need a symp

tom controller, it should be taken with y

our

preventer medication. It should not be ta

ken instead of a preventer.

Like your reliever medicine, your sympto

m controller helps widen the airways. Bu

t while

your reliever worksfor around 4-6 hours

, symptom controllers work for up to 12

hours at

a time. However, they are not good for qu

ick relief of symptoms so they should not

be used

for asthma first aid.

Symptom controllers are: Foradile and O

xis (both brands of eformoterol), and Ser

event

(salmeterol).

There are combination medications that

combine a symptomcontroller and a pre

venter in

one puffer.

Combination medications are: Seretide (fl

uticasone and salmeterol) and Symbicort

(budesonide and eformoterol).

Your GP can advise you on the availability

under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Sche

me of

the drugs mentionedabove.

My medications are

Preventer

............................................................

Reliever

............................................................

Symptom Controller

............................................................

Combination Medication

............................................................

other Comments

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reprinted June 2012

My known asthma triggers are:

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Before exercise I need to warm up prope

rly and take the

following asthma medication:

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One person said a plan gives you Direction, control, confidence and certainty

This Readers’ Survey focus is looking at Advocacy –

The Editor

Asthma Update

PO Box 603

KENT TOWN SA 5071

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STAMP

HERE

To find out more about asthma information and training contact:

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)

Office hours asthmaaustralia.org.au

Helping people with asthma breathe better

asthma update | issue 46 | november 2012

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