Work

Vietnamese Consensus on the Structure and Content of Asthma Action Plan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Asthma action plans (AAP) are recommended for patients’ self-management of asthma and should be adapted countries’ situation. This study aimed to develop expert consensus on the optimal structure and content and action of asthma action plans for Vietnamese settings to ensure feasibility, acceptance and implementation. Methods: A Delphi consensus conducted over two rounds. The proposed items were evaluated by a Vietnamese panel of pulmonologists, allergist, tuberculosis/lung disease specialists and general practitioners. Structured online questionnaires with 5-point Likert scales were used. Consensus was defined as >80% agreement and < 10% strong disagreement. Results: 26 and 21 participants completed round 1 and round 2, respectively. 4-zone of AAP was preferred (42.3%) over 3-zone (38.5%) or 2-zone (19.2%). AAP should include some key statements for asthma, symptoms for self-monitoring, objective asthma control questionnaire, actions for changes of maintenance medication and instructions in emergency situations. AAP zones should be classified on symptom frequency and severity. Patient actions should be tailored to their treatment regimen (MART or ICS/LABA + SABA). APP might not include peak expiratory flow monitoring and oral corticosteroid self-administration for both MART and ICS/LABA + SABA regimen, and might not add SABA together with ICS dose escalation for ICS/LABA + SABA regimen. Conclusions: This study established an expert consensus on fundamental AAP structural elements and actions for the Vietnamese. The failure to achieve consensus on PEF monitoring tools and OCS for self-management of asthma exacerbation reflects concerns about medication abuse, especially in Vietnam healthcare settings.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm14248640