Program of Care for the Non-pharmacological Management of Occupational Asthma
Our goal for the Program of Care for the Non-pharmacological Management of Occupational Asthma is to ensure the early identification and appropriate care of workers with Occupational Asthma based on the latest scientific evidence and clinical experience.
Physician Materials for Download
* For copies of the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, please call the WSIB Health Professionals Access Line at 416-344-4526 or 1-800-569-7919.
For online copies of the Lung Association's Asthma Action Plan or Asthma Diary Card, please visit the Ontario Lung Association’s Web site. |
Patient Eligibility Criteria
The Program of Care is appropriate for ill workers in Ontario:
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| (a) | positive screen for possible occupational asthma and referred for diagnosis to a Respirologist, Occupational Medicine Physician or Allergist |
| (b) | diagnosis of occupational asthma made by a Respirologist, Occupational Medicine Physician or Allergist |
and
- with new onset asthma (i.e. no previous diagnosis) caused by exposure to an agent found in the workplace
- with no other respiratory illnesses such as pneumoconiosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- still at work or off work.
Workers who do not meet these criteria will not enter the Program of Care. They should be referred for appropriate respiratory assessment and diagnosis.
Goals of Treatment
The goals of the Program of Care for Occupational Asthma are to:
- prevent chronic and troublesome symptoms and recurrent exacerbations of asthma,
- minimize the need for Emergency Department visits,
- improve knowledge of the disease, and
- meet the worker’s expectations and provide satisfaction.
For each individual patient, the program must include:
- an action plan
- education
- symptom monitoring
- peak flow monitoring.
More information
If you have any questions or require more information, please call our Health Professional Access Line at 1-800-569-7919 or 416-344-4526.
This Program of Care was created collaboratively with representatives from health professional associations, including the Ontario Medical Association, the WSIB, and workplace representatives.
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