Asthma knowledge and approach among Pakistani family physicians and the impact of an educational programme.

Document Type

Article

Department

Medicine

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess asthma knowledge and approach among Pakistani family physicians and the impact of an educational programme.

DESIGN: A total of 89 family physicians attending a continuing medical education programme were evaluated using a 17-item questionnaire before and after a lecture and seminar-based educational programme. Three scores—total score (TSc), knowledge subscore (KSc) and approach subscore (ASc)—were calculated before and after the course.

RESULTS: A total of 82 (92%) family physicians completed the questionnaire. A minimum TSc of 9 was achieved by 57% physicians before the course; this increased to 78% after the course. Physicians with 10 years since graduation achieved a higher baseline TSc than those who had graduated 20 years previously. The latter group showed a larger post-course improvement. Analysis of individual questions disclosed that 79% of family physicians were unable to assess the empirical risk of asthma in an unborn child, 61% were unable to correctly classify/treat Stage 2 asthma and a similar number peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (l/min) based acute asthma exacerbation. Reassuringly, 97% correctly identified clinical signs and 87% life-threatening features of asthma.

CONCLUSION: Of all family physicians who responded to the questionnaire, 57% achieved acceptable baseline standards. Deficiencies regarding areas such as genetic counselling and disease severity assessment were observed. Strengths in identifying clinical signs and life-threatening features were evident. Continuing medical education resulted in a significant improvement in the post-course assessment, regardless of the years since graduation. KEY WORDS: asthma; family physicians; knowledge; approach; continuing medical education A

Publication (Name of Journal)

The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.

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