This shared component helps clinicians assess current asthma control using validated tools, including the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and GINA-based symptom criteria.
This component appears:
In the History & Control section of asthma templates
During routine reviews or follow-up visits
If asthma is coded and the patient is ≥12 years old (for ACT)
Field | Purpose |
| ACT Score | Asthma Control Test (0–25); score ≥20 indicates well-controlled asthma |
| GINA-Based Criteria | Alternative tool based on symptom frequency and night waking |
| Hospital Admissions | Record any asthma-related hospital or urgent care visits in the past year |
| Exacerbation History | Link to full exacerbation documentation if relevant |
| Free-text Comments | Summary of control status or clinician judgement |
ACT is a validated tool used across QOF, LES, and national audits
GINA symptoms are often used in children or non-ACT environments
Control scoring helps determine:
Eligibility for Step-Up or Step-Down therapy
Inclusion of patient education and plan reinforcement
💡 A low ACT score (≤19) should prompt review of adherence, inhaler technique, and possible escalation
Use the following to classify control:
| Criteria | Well-Controlled | Poorly Controlled |
| Daytime symptoms | ≤2/week | >2/week |
| Night waking | None | Any |
| Reliever needed | ≤2/week | >2/week |
| Activity limitation | None | Present |
If 0–1 symptoms: well-controlled If 2–3 symptoms: partly controlled If 4+: poorly controlled
Capturing control accurately helps ensure that treatment decisions are safe, QOF-aligned, and personalised to each patient’s level of need.