SMART Regime may reduce asthma hospitalisations for Maori

The Asthma Foundation

Media Release

8 October 2014

A Breath of Hope - New Zealand Respiratory Conference 9,10 October

SMART Regime may reduce asthma hospitalisations for Maori

New statistics presented at the New Zealand Respiratory Conference based on 2013 data highlight that more needs to be done to support Maori with asthma.

Dr Matire Harwood presented results from a study testing the effectiveness of a ground-breaking asthma management regime in NZ – SMART Regime. The study found, compared to others in the study, Maori were less likely to have a severe attack resulting in hospitalisation and did not need to use other medication.

Dr Kyle Perrin, Medical Director for the Asthma Foundation said "recent data from 2013 show Maori are three times as likely to end up in hospital with asthma, these results have the potential to reduce asthma hospitalisations and substantially improve the health of Maori."

Dr Matire Harwood, study author said "This regime needs to be better promoted to GPs to encourage uptake for Maori clients."

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