RESUMO
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of newly established asthma clinics [ACs] on asthma management at primary healthcare centres [PHCs] in Oman
Methods: This retrospective crosssectional study was conducted between June 2011 and May 2012 in seven PHCs in the Seeb wilayat of Muscat, Oman. All >/=6-year-old asthmatic patients visiting these PHCs during the study period were included. Electronic medical records were reviewed to determine which clinical assessment and management components had been documented
Results: A total of 452 asthmatic patients were included in the study. The mean age was 35 +/- 21 years old [range: 6.95 years] and the majority [57%] were female. In total, 288 [64%] cases were managed at ACs and 164 [36%] were managed at general clinics [GCs]. Significant differences were noted in the documentation of cases managed at ACs compared to those at GCs, including history-taking information regarding signs and symptoms [91% versus 19%; P <0.001], trigger factors [79% versus 16%; P <0.001] and a history of atopy [81% versus 17%; P <0.001], smoking [61% versus 7%; P <0.001], asthma exacerbations [73% versus 10%; P <0.001] or previous admissions [63% versus 10%; P <0.001]. Furthermore, prescription rates of inhaled corticosteroids [72% versus 61%; P = 0.021] and short-acting Beta-agonists [93% versus 82%; P = 0.001] were significantly higher at ACs compared to GCs
Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicated that ACs have had a positive impact on asthma management at the studied PHCs