Patient perspectives of asthma treatment as barriers to implementing new treatment guidelines: A qualitative forum analysis

Résumé fourni par la source

Background: For the last 40 years the first line of asthma treatment has been short acting beta2 agonists (SABA) used as symptom relief alongside daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) as preventers. New guidelines recommend replacing SABA relievers with ICS-based relievers (ICS-formoterol). Objective: To explore patient perceptions of SABA, ICS and ICS-formoterol, with a focus on identifying barriers to adherence to new recommended treatments. Methods: A qualitative study investigating UK asthma online community forum posts using keyword searches between July 2021 to July 2024. A sample of 179 adult patients with asthma were identified through 278 posts. Results: Thematic analysis highlighted that many patients remained attached to their SABA and viewed it as a key element of their treatment. Patients appeared unconvinced by warnings around SABA over-use. In contrast, patients raised a range of concerns about ICS and ICS-formoterol, and reservations about replacing SABA with these treatments. Results also highlight a perceived lack of individualised care from healthcare professionals and a skepticism around guideline or target driven care. Conclusion: This analysis highlights several potential patient barriers to adherence to recommended asthma treatment, with many patients being reluctant to stop using their SABA and engage fully with an ICS-formoterol reliever. Strategies to support the implementation of asthma treatment guidelines should include strategies that address patients’ treatment beliefs.

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