Understanding and Triggers | Patient Understanding of Asthma

Understanding and Triggers | Patient Understanding of Asthma

🧠 Patient Understanding of Asthma

This component allows clinicians to assess how well the patient understands their asthma diagnosis, medications, and how to manage symptoms. It helps guide personalised education and supports shared decision-making.


🧭 When Will I See This?

  • During asthma reviews or education sessions

  • As part of the History & Control or Self-Management Plan sections

  • In patients who have recently been diagnosed or frequently use relievers


📋 What To Record



Field
Purpose
Patient UnderstandingRecord their explanation of asthma and how their inhalers help
Confidence LevelDropdown or free-text to summarise how confident they feel in self-managing
Education ProvidedNotes on models, leaflets, or verbal guidance used (e.g. "Side Rule")

💡 You can use structured models (e.g. airway inflammation diagrams, traffic light plans) to help explain asthma pathophysiology and reliever/preventer roles.


💬 Suggested Questions to Ask

  • “What do you understand about asthma and how your inhalers work?”

  • “Do you know how to spot when your asthma is getting worse?”

  • “Would it help to go over this again together?”


Providing education tailored to the patient’s current understanding can improve adherence, safety, and self-efficacy — ultimately reducing the risk of uncontrolled asthma.