A comprehensive on-line library of downloadable Written Asthma Action Plans has been
launched by the National Asthma Council Australia.
The new library, located on the National Asthma Council Australia's website
(nationalasthma.au) provides quick access to a selection of the most reputable
plans currently available in Australia, as well as links to several international options.
All plans can be accessed directly from the website enabling health professionals to select
the most appropriate plan for their patients and eliminating the need to stockpile hard copies.
According to National Asthma Council Australia chairman, Prof John Wilson, a written
asthma action plan should be an integral part of asthma management.
"Research shows that written action plans keep people with asthma in control of their
condition," Prof Wilson said. "They are better equipped to recognise deterioration of their
symptoms and can respond appropriately."
"All doctors should consider developing a written asthma action plan when discussing
asthma management with people with asthma and/or their carers."
"Different action plans suit different people and this new one-stop shop will allow doctors and
other health professionals to select and adapt the format that is most appropriate for them
and their patients," Prof Wilson explained.
The new Written Asthma Action Plan mini-site, within the National Asthma Council Australia
website, features the:
-- National Asthma Council Australia's popular Action Plan template;
-- Department of Health and Ageing Action Plan developed as part of the Asthma Cycle of
Care 2007 initiative;
-- Symbicort SMART Asthma Action Plan;
-- Every Day Asthma Action Plan developed by the Spencer Gulf Rural Health School, Pika
Wiya Health Service and Asthma SA for remote indigenous Australians. This plan may
also be useful for other people who are not comfortable with complex written English.
Links are also provided to international resources from the United States, Canada, New
Zealand and the United Kingdom.
nationalasthma.au