Comparison of doctor and patient assessments of asthma control

Summary Introduction The objective of asthma management is to control the condition. However, world-wide surveys reveal that only 5% of asthmatics are well controlled. One reason for this phenomenon is the fact that patients and doctors consistently over-estimate control. This study compared patient and doctor assessment of asthma control. Methods A random sample of asthmatics was identified by practitioners in South Africa. Patients completed an Asthma Control Test (ACT) and provided a list of medications currently being taken. The doctor also provided an assessment of control which was summarised into the categories - 'not controlled' and 'controlled' and listed all medications prescribed. Results The mean ACT score was 12.8 where doctors assessed the patients as being ‘not controlled’ and 20.7 where doctors assessed the patients as being ‘controlled’. Half of the patients classified themselves as being ‘not controlled’ (ACT score