Getting evidence into practice using an asthma desktop tool

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Failure to utilise evidence in asthma care is leading to avoidable asthma symptoms for sufferers and costs to health services. OBJECTIVE: This article describes a collaboration between a division of general practice and a university department of general practice to improve uptake of evidence based asthma treatments and to better educate patients. DISCUSSION: The division of general practice drew upon lessons from university based research within its locality producing an ‘asthma desktop tool’. This combined evidence based clinical guidance for practitioners with educational information for patients in paper and electronic formats. The tool has been provided to all local general practices, hospitals and pharmacists to facilitate uptake of best practice guidelines and enhance patient knowledge and understanding. The division has directly responded to university based research producing a practical solution to some of the identified problems. This demonstrates that with appropriate resources and support, divisions are well placed to translate research into practice, and combine with academic institutions to produce worthwhile results.