New Quick Guide Released to Support GP Asthma Care in Australia
10 Apr 2026
The National Asthma Council (NAC) has launched a set of five quick-reference information sheets designed to support updates in the Australian Asthma Handbook. The tools are also designed to help doctors explain treatment changes clearly to patients.
The updated handbook, released in September last year, includes major changes in asthma care, especially a move away from relying on short-acting beta2 agonists (SABA), commonly known as “blue puffers”, for adults and adolescents.
The five new NAC information sheets focus on:
- Reducing overuse of “blue puffers” in asthma care
- Using anti-inflammatory relievers as first-line treatment
- Maintenance-and-reliever therapy approaches
- Safe and appropriate use of oral corticosteroids
- Triple therapy options in primary care
National Asthma Council Guidelines Committee Chair Dr Brett Montgomery said the resources are designed to be practical and easy for GPs to use during consultations.
He said they help clinicians quickly understand updated recommendations and apply them in everyday practice.
Dr Montgomery also noted that explaining treatment changes to patients can be challenging, especially when people are used to older treatments.
He said the patient-focused messages in the new resources will help doctors reassure patients that updated care is based on strong evidence.
RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care member Dr Michael Tam agreed that patient education will be key, as many people feel confident in their current asthma treatment and may be hesitant to change.
He said clear conversations about why changes are being made will help improve understanding and acceptance.
The NAC recommends that GPs still refer to the full Australian Asthma Handbook for detailed clinical guidance, using the new sheets as a quick support tool in everyday practice.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: National Asthma Council Australia, Australian Asthma Handbook, newsGP
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