The Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and DHMH, following the NIH-NHLBI’s “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma” recommends that all asthma patients use an  Asthma Action Plan for proper asthma management. Asthma Action Plans are a communication tool and a key component of a comprehensive education program for asthma management. The Asthma Action Plan includes information related to treatment regimes and patient self-management.

 

In addition to the Academy and DHMH’s recommendation for using the Asthma Action Plan, a study published in Thorax by Drs. Gibson and Powell confirmed that using a written Asthma Action Plan improves health outcomes for persons with asthma. Specifically, patients using Asthma Action Plans based on personal best peak flow had fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

 

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics have developed and disseminated the Maryland Asthma Action Plan. This Asthma Action Plan is similar to many of the existing Asthma Action Plans with three action points based on personal best peak flow. The form is printed in triplicate with one part for the patient, one part for the school, and one part for the doctor.

 

Every individual with asthma should complete an Asthma Action Plan. Please provide a copy of the Asthma Action Plan for all caretakers, including parents, grandparents, extended family, neighbors, school staff, and child care providers.

 

To order an Asthma Action Plan, please call 410-799-1940. If you have questions, please call Rachel Hess-Mutinda at 410-767-2196.