Last update:
22-Apr-2024

OBJECTIVE To highlight the best practices of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Public Health in Greece, by strengthening prevention, health promotion strategies, and social policy in current epidemiological challenges.

METHOD Asthma patients from the community enrolled in the "Asthma School", where they were screened, diagnosed and trained. Best practices of the outpatient Pulmonology Unit of the Model Health Center of the urban type of Peristeri were evaluated, highlighting the primary health care (PHC) reorientation policy. The Pulmonology Unit has developed a strategy for preventing respiratory problems and providing health education. This strategy was implemented in collaboration with the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, now the Hellenic National Public Health Organization, the Municipality of Peristeri, and the Ministry of Health.

RESULTS A total of 113 people attended the "Asthma School", of which 69.03% were women and the mean age was 51.07±14.59 years. The Pulmonology Unit operated to high standards, with the vision of developing a dynamic system, according to National Health Policy. Emphasis was placed on the quality of PHC, as respiratory problems concern a major public health problem for society. The majority of participants reported that their asthma was well controlled in the last four weeks (p<0.05). Improvement was recorded in terms of adopting prevention, with an increase of 30% in patients visiting the Health Center for preventive measures.

CONCLUSIONS Targeted education of asthma patients is important in PHC, leading to better compliance and treatment effectiveness.

Key words: Asthma, Asthma costs, Asthma school, Incidence and prevalence of asthma, Primary health care (PHC).