Spirometry and asthma management in children and adults in general practice.

INTERVENTION: Comprehensive training for GPs and practice nurses in the intervention practices, in the performance and interpretation of spirometry, and encouragement to integrate spirometry use into their asthma management. The intervention will comprise a minimum of 6 hrs formal training, provided in the first 2 months after randomisation. Intervention practices will then apply this knowledge and be supported for the remainder of the 12‐month study timeframe. CONDITION: Asthma. Management of spirometry in general practice. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Improvements in health outcomes for patients with asthma, including days off work/school Improvements in health outcomes for patients with asthma, including number of emergency visits Improvements in health outcomes for patients with asthma, including number of exacerbations Improvements in health outcomes for patients with asthma, including number of hospital admissions Improvements in health outcomes for patients with asthma, including other clinical indicators Improvements in health outcomes for patients with asthma, including quality of life. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Acceptability by GPs, staff and patients, of the training in and use of spirometry. Cost‐effectiveness of having practices perform spirometry. Improvements in the process of care provided to asthma patients, including use of spirometry, and provision of written asthma action plans. INCLUSION CRITERIA: A diagnosis of asthma and on asthma medication.