IMP2ART Education Modules to Engage Healthcare Professionals to Improve Implementation of Supported Self-Management of Asthma - In Practice

Introduction: National and global guidelines recommend supported self-management to reduce the risk of asthma attacks and asthma-related mortality. However, implementation is poor; an estimated 3.53 million people with asthma in the UK are not receiving basic asthma care including an action plan. Professional education modules were a core component of an implementation strategy in a cluster randomised controlled trial: Implementing Improved Asthma Self-Management as Routine (IMP2ART) within UK primary care. Method: Two education modules, a team module, and an individual, in-depth module for healthcare professionals (HCPs) conducting asthma reviews were delivered through Nimble eLearning. Data were collected from 72 implementation practices across the UK. Usage data (access; engagement; completion) were analysed applying descriptive statistics. ‘Completion’ of a module was defined as undertaking ≥80% of the content of the module. Reflexive thematic analysis identified themes from free text responses collected through Online Surveys. Results: 58 (81%) practices successfully completed the team module, and 52 (72%) practices had at least one staff member who completed the individual module. The number of staff engaging with the individual module within a practice ranged from 1 to 24. Most HCPs felt that education modules helped improve their understanding of supported self-management. The main themes identified from the free text responses were: the importance of discussing self-management behaviours with patients, listening more and asking open-ended questions, and completing the personalised asthma action plan with patients. Discussion: HCPs found IMP2ART education modules useful for learning about supported self-management. There was good engagement and uptake at practice and individual levels, with appreciation of the challenge of behaviour change. Education modules were an important component of improving asthma care by engaging and up-skilling HCPs in supporting people with asthma to manage their condition. Enhancing evidence-based, patient-centred care has the potential to improve health outcomes. Funding: NIHR PGfAR: RP-PG-1016-20008 ISRCTN:15448074