Assessing a Population-Based Approach to Asthma and COPD Education

In 2008, chronic respiratory disease—including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—was the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Chronic respiratory disease represents a major burden of illness on individuals, families, and the health system. Provision of asthma and COPD education and management resources can serve to improve self-management strategies, leading to an improved quality of life. The Partnership in Lung Age Testing and Education (PLATE) program was a unique demonstration project examining a population-based approach to the management of respiratory disease. Objectives included improving patient education, increasing public awareness about chronic respiratory disease, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. First, 13 “Airways Clinics” in Toronto and Hamilton were undertaken in various community settings (eg, pharmacies, shopping malls), providing respiratory health education and FEV 1 measurement. Second, a follow-up survey examined knowledge gained from phase I. Eighty-seven participants included those with physician-diagnosed asthma, physician-diagnosed COPD, and symptomatic without diagnosis and/or long-time smokers. Airways Clinics were positively received by participants, with 77% of respondents more aware of the role healthy lifestyles play in disease management. Findings indicate that the highest level of interest came from high-needs communities, including low-income and older populations (between 50 and 79 years).