Care in the Community for People 16 Years of Age and Older
Quality standards are sets of concise statements designed to help health care professionals easily and quickly know what care to provide, based on the best evidence.
See below for a summary of the quality standard or download it for more detailed statements.
Download the Quality Standard
Quality Statement 1: Diagnosis
Adults clinically suspected of having asthma complete spirometry to demonstrate reversible airflow obstruction and, if negative, other lung function testing to confirm the diagnosis of asthma as soon as possible.
Quality Statement 2: Asthma Control
Adults with asthma have a structured assessment at least annually to determine their level of asthma control and reasons for poor control.
Quality Statement 3: Asthma Medication
Adults with asthma receive appropriate medication and devices based on their current level of asthma control, including early initiation of inhaled anti-inflammatory therapy.
Quality Statement 4: Self-Management Education and Asthma Action Plan
Adults with asthma and their caregivers receive self-management education and a written personalized asthma action plan that is reviewed regularly with a health care professional.
Quality Statement 5: Referral to Specialized Asthma Care
Adults who meet criteria for severe asthma or have other appropriate indications are referred to specialized asthma care.
Quality Statement 6: Follow-Up After Discharge
Adults who have had an emergency department visit or been hospitalized for an asthma exacerbation have a follow-up assessment within 2 to 7 days after discharge.