Dr Janet Bristow1, Professor Michael Peek2, Professor Peter Gibson1,3, Professor Vanessa McDonald1,3, Ms Diane Percy4, Mrs Kelly Steel1,3, Dr Karen McLaughlin1, Dr Marjorie Atchan5, Associate Professor Vanessa Murphy1
1The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, 2Faculty of Medicine and Health / Nepean Clinical School – The University of Sydney, Kingswood, Australia, 3John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, Australia, 4Asthma Australia, Chifley, Australia, 5The University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia
Biography:
Dr Janet Bristow has a background in molecular Reproductive Biology (PhD, 2006) but left the lab bench to focus on asthma research translation projects. She is Research Manager for the Asthma in Pregnancy Group at the University of Newcastle and was Project Manager for the Asthma in Pregnancy Toolkit.
Abstract:
Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in pregnancy, however relevant resources for clinicians are limited. Our previous studies showed poor asthma control in women across Eastern Australia and indicates a need for more asthma education for antenatal health professionals¹,². To meet this need, we designed, delivered and evaluated health professional educational workshops in the Australian Capital Territory during 2023.
Methods: Workshop content was based on the recently developed Asthma in Pregnancy Toolkit (asthmapregnancytoolkit.org.au). Modules topics included asthma prevalence/risks during pregnancy, medication, written action plans, referral and inhaler techniques. Participants completed pre- and post- workshop surveys, allowing us to gain insight into current asthma management practices and confirm whether the education was meeting participant needs.
Results: 64 participants (14 workshops) completed pre-workshop surveys, predominantly GPs (41%) or midwives (34%). Patient education was a perceived role for 83% of total respondents (85% of GPs/ 87% of midwives); asthma monitoring for 71% (81% of GPs/ 65% of midwives); referral for 68% (69% of GPs/ 78% of midwives); inhaler education for 55% (81% of GPs/ 17% of midwives). Clear referral pathways were followed by 33% of total respondents, while 32% used asthma guidelines, and 49% reviewed asthma regularly during pregnancy (4-6 weekly). 73% of GPs regarded provision of written asthma action plans as part of their role. Overall pre-workshop asthma skills/knowledge was self-rated as very poor/poor/average in 87% participants, but rated good/very good in 78%, after workshops. Similarly, 76% felt somewhat/not at all confident in asthma management prior to workshops, but 77% were confident/very confident afterwards.
Conclusion: Workshop pre-evaluation surveys revealed gaps in health professional knowledge about asthma management during pregnancy. Post-evaluation revealed our workshops, based on Asthma in Pregnancy Toolkit modules were successful in meeting the needs of health professionals involved in antenatal care.
Keywords
Asthma, education
References
1. Murphy VE, Jensen ME, Mattes J, Hensley MJ, Giles WB, Peek MJ, Bisits A, Callaway LK, McCaffery K, Barrett HL, Colditz PB, Seeho SK, Attia J, Searles A, Doran C, Powell H, Gibson PG. The Breathing for Life Trial: a randomised controlled trial of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)-based management of asthma during pregnancy and its impact on perinatal outcomes and infant and childhood respiratory health. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2016 May 17;16:111. doi: 10.1186/s12884-016-0890-3.
2. McLaughlin K, Jensen M, Foureur M, Murphy VE. Antenatal asthma management by midwives in Australia – Self-reported knowledge, confidence and guideline use. Women Birth. 2020 Mar;33(2):e166-e175. doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.04.007.