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Controlled evaluation of the effects of patient education on asthma morbidity in general practice
Hilton S, Sibbald B, Anderson HR, Freeling P
Lancet 1986;327(8471):26-29
clinical trial
2/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: No; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

Two different patient education programmes for asthma in general practice were evaluated in a controlled trial. Knowledge, self management, and morbidity due to asthma were assessed in 339 patients by means of a questionnaire. One group then received a maximum education programme, a second group received a limited education programme, and a third acted as a control group. 274 patients were reassessed after one 1 year. In both the intervention groups, understanding of asthma was greater after the trial. Only in the maximum intervention group was a significant improvement in knowledge of asthma shown. Neither group showed any change in self-management ability or asthma morbidity that differed significantly from changes in the control group. These simple informational education programmes were ineffective when applied to a general practice population. Further studies of factors affecting attitudes, beliefs, and actions are needed to improve the advice and support given to asthma patients.

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