Abstract
Introduction:
This review is part of a series of presentations describing aspects of Australian National Asthma programs implemented in the period 2001 to 2005. Following endorsement of asthma as a National Health Priority [1], the National Asthma Reference Group was established in 2000 to provide advice to the Minister for Health in relation to implementation of the National Asthma Action Plan 1999–2002 (NAAP) [2]. The NAAP built on strategic documents developed by the National Asthma Council Australia (NACA) [3] since 1989. About AUD 60 million (D 37 million) was allocated over a four year period in 1999/2000. In 2005, funding for a further four years was provided. Key elements of the NAAP were the establishment of the Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring [4], the Asthma Friendly Schools program [1], and the Asthma GP Initiative [1], based on the 3+ Visit Plan developed by the NACA GP Asthma Group. The Asthma GP Initiative included a public awareness campaign, information resources for patients and their carers and a patient helpline. In addition, educational resources for primary care providers were developed and 160 seminars were conducted in 2003 and 2005, reaching an estimated 4,000 GPs, nurses and community pharmacists. The activities of the National Asthma Reference Group and the processes underpinning its operation will be discussed.
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Tomlins, R., Fisher, M. ABS16: Implementing national programs for asthma care in Australia — a review of the first four years of the National Asthma Reference Group. Prim Care Respir J 15, 189 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.04.118
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.04.118