Interactive learning with the IPCRG Asthma Jigsaw Puzzle Workshop in Malaysia

31 Jul 2025

In May, our colleagues in Malaysia organised a hands-on Asthma Jigsaw Puzzle Workshop as part of the Asthma Right Care movement. The aim was to improve participants’ confidence and competence in asthma diagnosis and communication through experiential learning.

The Asthma Diagnosis Jigsaw Puzzle, developed by expert faculty from IPCRG, is an evidence-based diagnostic tool designed to support accurate asthma diagnosis in primary care. Created through a multidisciplinary consensus process, the tool reflects the intuitive, problem-solving mindset used by many clinicians. Because there is no single objective test for diagnosing asthma, the jigsaw puzzle metaphor illustrates the importance of collecting and assembling clinical information, such as symptom patterns, airway variability, and bronchodilator responsiveness over time, to create a diagnostic picture. With experience, this process becomes easier as patterns become more recognisable.

Participants in the workshop included family medicine specialists, GPs, trainees and academics, who worked through case studies using the jigsaw approach to improve and guide the diagnostic process step by step. Group activities encouraged rich discussions about overlapping symptoms, limited access to diagnostic tools, and the importance of pragmatic, patient-centred care in real-world contexts.

Programme overview:

  • Welcome and introduction: Associate Professor Dr Siti Nurkamilla binti Ramdzan
  • Session 1 – Understanding diagnostic challenges: Dr Koh Wen Ming
  • Session 2 – The Asthma Jigsaw Puzzle: Dr Hani Salim (facilitators: Dr Koh Wen Ming, Dr Anusha Manoharan, Dr Sathia Kanawathy, Dr Alice Liong, Dr Beh Hooi Chin)
  • Session 3 – Communication challenges in asthma care: Dr Anusha Manoharan (videos created by Universiti Malaya: Dr Beh Hooi Chin and Dr Ng Wei Leik; Universiti Putra Malaysia: Associate Professor Dr Cheong Ai Theng; International Islamic University Malaysia: Assistant Professor Dr Abdul Hadi; Ministry of Health Malaysia: Dr Kok Sim Hui)

The final session used role-play and locally produced videos to explore age-specific communication strategies. Reflections at the end of the day emphasised three key messages: diagnosis is an evolving process, education is central, and collaborative care is essential.

This workshop demonstrated the value of experiential learning in improving asthma care. Learn more about the jigsaw puzzle approach to asthma diagnosis in primary care here.

ARC NEWS