Explore our Asthma Service patient guidance and further information.
What will I need?
In order to use the Asthma service, you will need access to:
- A smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC
- A broadband or Wi-Fi internet connection
- Your written self-management asthma action plan
- A peak flow meter
How to use your peak flow meter
Your health care team will tell you about the Asthma service and explain that, although they will have access to the responses you submit they will not be monitored regularly.
What questions will the service ask?
At a frequency agreed between you and your health care team, you will be asked to record your peak expiratory flow and a symptom questionnaire. This asks how you are feeling today and then (if you are feeling worse than usual) asks specific questions about your breathlessness, wheeze, chest tightness, and use of inhalers.
Each month, you will be asked to complete an Asthma Control Test (ACT), which helps measure the impact asthma is having on your well-being and daily life. This tool will be accessed by clicking on a link to the website, then returning to the app / browser to enter your score.
Monitoring changes in your symptoms, peak expiratory flow and ACT scores over time will help to give you a better understanding of how well controlled your condition is and to discuss any changes in your management with your health care team.
What does the service do with my results?
The system reviews your responses and readings and will provide immediate feedback and advice specific to you, to help you manage your symptoms in line with the Asthma UK Action Plan. If any of your responses suggest that you need medical attention, you will be advised to seek medical attention yourself in the usual way.
Your health care team will be able to see your responses and to track them over time. If your responses are potentially a cause for concern, your health care team will be notified, but may not have the opportunity to review them for some time.
What else should I know?
In addition to entering your readings, you will also be sent regular hints and tips to help you self-manage your symptoms.
We hope you will find the Asthma service enjoyable to use and that it will help you to understand your Asthma and best manage your symptoms. However, if you do not find the service helpful, you can opt out at any time, by using the Opt Out task on your app or the patient portal.
