National asthma strategy-Monitoring progress using national asthma indicators

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Aim: Progress in achieving the Goals and Objectives of the National Asthma Strategy was measured using 10 national asthma indicators. The status of asthma in Australia was shown using indicators covering prevalence, mortality, hospital and emergency department (ED) visits and treatment and management. Findings are based on historical data up to the most recent data available so that progress could be assessed. Method(s) Data for each indicator has been sourced from the National Health Survey, Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme, National Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Databases. Relevant analysis has been conducted to show changes over time and variation in progress across priority population groups. Result(s) In 2020-2021, 2.7 million Australians were living with asthma. Hospitalisations due to asthma declined between 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 by over 40%. ED visits also declined between 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 by about 10%. However variation can be seen in the use of these services across the country. These findings are potentially attributable to an indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the health protection measures put in place. Results also include data on mortality, use of General Practitioner services and the use of medicines to treat and manage asthma, psychological distress experienced by people with asthma, and interference of asthma on daily activities. Conclusion(s) Some favourable outcomes in some indicators show progress towards achieving the Goals and Objectives of the National Asthma Strategy. However, some results were impacted indirectly for the COVID-19 pandemic and variation across Australia can be demonstrated. Improved data is needed to understand the treatment and management of asthma in primary health care.