How this fits in

Despite knowledge that supported self-management for asthma improves asthma control, and reduces visits to out-of-hours and accident and emergency departments, it remains poorly implemented. By improving understanding of how individual self-management strategies develop, the authors sought to identify ways to improve implementation of asthma self-management support in primary care. In the present study, patients learnt how to self-manage over time intuitively; some regular actions became habitual whereas dealing with the unexpected required more reflective cognitive skills. Patients may also be more receptive at diagnosis and following an asthma attack; therefore, clinicians should consider adapting their routines and offering support accordingly.