Article type
Abstract
Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions seen in primary care and hospital admission rates in Singapore were more than double compared to OECD average. Formative research identified suboptimal use of preventer medicines as a key practice gap, contributed to by patient misconceptions regarding the disease and management, including steroid phobia.
Objectives: To address patient misconceptions, the Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE) within the Singapore Ministry of Health implemented various interventions including a factsheet, educational flipchart, and webinar to better equip healthcare professionals (HCPs) on asthma patient education.
Methods: Prototypes were developed following a literature review and input from clinical experts on the clinical accuracy, clarity of messaging, readability, and design in an iterative process. Feedback from patients and caregivers led to further iterative refinements. The overall readability was suitable for readers ≥12 years old. The factsheet was also translated with feedback from HCPs. Webinar content was developed and presented by a multidisciplinary panel (doctor, nurse, and two pharmacists).
Results: The factsheet includes infographics, a QR code linked to instructional videos, and tips on managing asthma with preventer inhalers, in four official local languages. The flipchart contains information organised in sections covering asthma understanding, medications, management goals, triggers, and additional resources. It has two sides: one for patients with simple language, illustrations and infographics, and another for HCPs with prompts.
650 sets were printed to complement ACE’s educational visiting programme. Thereafter, they were further distributed to HCPs in the public sector and made available on ACE’s website. They were also promoted in the webinar, attended by 346 HCPs, where experts shared insights and practical tips to make asthma patient education meaningful.
Overall, feedback on the materials and webinar was positive. Of 93 HCPs surveyed, 96% found the factsheet and 98% the flipchart at least somewhat useful. Most HCPs found the webinar beneficial (99%, n=77).
Conclusions: The positive reception of the materials and webinar highlights the importance of collaborating with HCPs and patients to understand the barriers, refine the messaging when developing interventions, as well as in the implementation of activities.
Objectives: To address patient misconceptions, the Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE) within the Singapore Ministry of Health implemented various interventions including a factsheet, educational flipchart, and webinar to better equip healthcare professionals (HCPs) on asthma patient education.
Methods: Prototypes were developed following a literature review and input from clinical experts on the clinical accuracy, clarity of messaging, readability, and design in an iterative process. Feedback from patients and caregivers led to further iterative refinements. The overall readability was suitable for readers ≥12 years old. The factsheet was also translated with feedback from HCPs. Webinar content was developed and presented by a multidisciplinary panel (doctor, nurse, and two pharmacists).
Results: The factsheet includes infographics, a QR code linked to instructional videos, and tips on managing asthma with preventer inhalers, in four official local languages. The flipchart contains information organised in sections covering asthma understanding, medications, management goals, triggers, and additional resources. It has two sides: one for patients with simple language, illustrations and infographics, and another for HCPs with prompts.
650 sets were printed to complement ACE’s educational visiting programme. Thereafter, they were further distributed to HCPs in the public sector and made available on ACE’s website. They were also promoted in the webinar, attended by 346 HCPs, where experts shared insights and practical tips to make asthma patient education meaningful.
Overall, feedback on the materials and webinar was positive. Of 93 HCPs surveyed, 96% found the factsheet and 98% the flipchart at least somewhat useful. Most HCPs found the webinar beneficial (99%, n=77).
Conclusions: The positive reception of the materials and webinar highlights the importance of collaborating with HCPs and patients to understand the barriers, refine the messaging when developing interventions, as well as in the implementation of activities.