Table 3.

Overview of factors influencing patient preferences for key areas of asthma management

Patient experiences that affected preferences
1. Impact of asthma on the patient’s life	For example, experience of symptoms, restriction of activity, flare-ups, interactions with peers, cost, inconvenience and side effect of medications.
2. Emotional consequences of asthma	For example, frightening asthma experiences, concern about access to medications and emergency services, awareness of deaths due to asthma, interplay between asthma and mental health.
3. Health beliefs	For example, beliefs about benefits and necessity of inhalers and concerns about medications.
4. Barriers to asthma management	For example, lack of understanding and education, negative interactions with healthcare professionals and embarrassment.
Key areas of patient preference for asthma management
1. Self-management	For example, personal strategies, control over inhaler supplies, management of triggers and written asthma action plans.
2. Regimen and medication preferences	For example, preference for medications with observable effects, trust in inhalers, convenience and flexibility to adjust therapy.
3. Device preferences	For example, small, portable devices, dose counter and environmentally friendly.
4. Preferences for services	For example, positive relationship with healthcare providers and easy to obtain inhalers.