Training and Evaluation of Asthma Indicators in Primary Health Care in Tucumán, Sergio Daniel Zunino, Argentina

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic disease and requires ongoing medical treatment. However, people living in rural areas tend to have less access to care, with poorer outcomes. The characterization of asthma indicators in Primary Health Care includes the definition of its prevalence, the detection of phenotypes that are difficult to treat and control, the characteristics of asthma attacks, emergency room visits, and mortality associated with the disease. In this context, excessive use of short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) is associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations, hospitalizations, and mortality. The GINA recommends the association of inhaled corticoids (ICs) and formoterol as rescue and maintenance therapy. Objectives: To train PHC physicians in bronchial asthma in the 4 operational areas of the health system of the Province of Tucumán (Argentina). Determine the impact of training and intervention on patients in terms of well-being with respect to their exacerbations, hospitalizations, and use of Systemic Ticoids (CS) Replicate this training model throughout the province. Results: Reduction in the proportion of patients receiving SABA alone and an increase in the use of budesonide/formoterol. Also reduced the use of CS and the number of emergency visits for people with asthma. No 1 crisis 2 crises ≥ 3 crises No 1 crisis 2 crises ≥ 3 crises Algorithms for diagnosis and initial treatment Applying the right treatment and its benefits Training for Asthma Educators No 1 crisis 2 crises ≥ 3 crises No 1 crisis 2 crises ≥ 3 crises. The proportion of patients requiring at least one hospitalization for asthma decreased from 21% to 5.4%. Conclusions: The intervention focused on the continuous training of PHC physicians has a favorable impact on asthma management, by adopting treatment behaviors according to international recommendations.