The National Asthma Council Australia has released a major update of its online Australian Asthma Handbook, the national guidelines for diagnosis and management of asthma in primary care.
Guidelines Committee Chair and general practitioner Professor Amanda Barnard says Handbook version 2.0, which was developed by an interdisciplinary team of clinical experts, continues to set the standard for asthma management for the 2.7 million Australians with the condition.
“This update’s focus on paediatric asthma advice reflects the different diagnosis and management approaches required across childhood, with the expanded severe asthma and management challenges sections providing guidance on the latest advanced treatment options alongside practical strategies for exploring uncontrolled asthma from an individual patient perspective,” Prof Barnard said.
Also included in the revision is the latest evidence on primary prevention of asthma and updated guidance on managing acute asthma in clinical settings.
“The Handbook is an evidence-based practical resource for GPs, pharmacists and nurses that supports a team approach to improve asthma outcomes in partnership with patients and their families.”
Australian Asthma Handbook highlights
- The first major review of the Australian Asthma Handbook incorporates the latest best-practice evidence for GPs, pharmacists and nurses on asthma diagnosis and management.
- The update focuses on paediatric asthma advice which reflects the different diagnosis and management approaches required across childhood.
- Expanded severe asthma and management challenges sections provide guidance on the latest advanced treatment options alongside practical strategies for exploring uncontrolled asthma from an individual patient perspective.
View the summary of key clinical changes and clarifications.
For more health professional resources and education, visit www.nationalasthma.org.au.