Abstract
The GAPP Survey is the first global quantitative survey to uncover asthma attitudes and treatment practices among physicians and patients to identify factors that may affect compliance. A total of 1,733 physicians, 1,726 adult asthma patients were surveyed in 16 countries. Results showed that PCPs are at the front line of asthma management: 54% of patients reporting that they usually see a PCP. A review of treatment used did not demonstrate application of current treatment guidelines. Survey showed that treatment compliance increases with the level of patient education, which is suboptimal at this point. Patient report having experienced short-term side effects in 34%, long-term side effects in 19%, decreased cortisol production in 4%. Patients who experience side effects, although they may not discuss them with physicians are less likely to be adherent, which impacts quality of life, and resource utilization.
Conclusion:
Effective communication may improve patient treatment compliance and proper asthma management. Patients and physicians do not adequately discuss the potential for medication-related side effects. In addition, the availability of new ICS treatment options with comparable efficacy and improved safety and tolerability might enhance patient outcomes.
Conflict of interest and funding
The GAPP Survey was funded by Altana Pharma.
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Price, D., Canonica, G., Dahl, R. et al. ABS008: Asthma management and the PCP: Findings of the global asthma physician and patient (GAPP) survey. Prim Care Respir J 15, 187 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.04.111
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.04.111