The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

Asthma Week starts today, with Asthma Australia’s theme, “She Needs to Breathe”, highlighting the ways asthma can affect women differently. For women living with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, having a voice in decisions about their health and working in partnership with their healthcare team can be an important part of managing their condition.

Living with asthma or a chronic lung disease doesn’t end when you leave your doctor’s office. In fact, most of the decisions that influence your health are made at home — taking medications as prescribed, recognising changes in symptoms, staying active and knowing when to seek help.

That’s why healthcare is increasingly moving towards a model known as shared decision-making, where patients and healthcare professionals work together to manage chronic disease.

In the past, healthcare was often seen as something that was done to patients. Today, there is growing recognition that people living with chronic conditions are experts in their own experiences. They know how their symptoms affect their daily lives, what challenges they face and what treatment approaches fit best with their lifestyle.

Shared decision-making brings together two types of expertise. Healthcare professionals contribute their clinical knowledge, research evidence and understanding of treatment options, while patients contribute their own goals, preferences and lived experience. Together, they make decisions that are informed by both science and what matters most to the individual.

This approach is particularly important for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis. These conditions are often managed over many years, and there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. The most effective management plans are those that people understand, feel confident following and can realistically incorporate into their everyday lives.

Taking an active role in your care doesn’t mean managing your condition alone. It means asking questions, understanding your treatment plan and feeling comfortable discussing concerns or changes with your healthcare team. It might involve learning the correct inhaler technique, recognising the early signs of a flare-up, keeping track of symptoms or working with your GP or specialist to adjust treatment as your needs change.

Research has shown that people who are more engaged in managing their chronic conditions often feel more confident in their care and are better equipped to respond when their symptoms change. Education, clear communication and practical support can help people make informed decisions and develop the skills needed to manage their condition day to day.

Researchers are also exploring new ways to support self-management. Digital health technologies, remote monitoring, personalised care plans and educational resources are making it easier for people to stay connected with their healthcare team and monitor their health between appointments. These innovations are designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between patients and clinicians.

Managing a chronic lung disease is a long-term journey, and that journey is different for everyone. What remains constant is the value of a strong partnership between patients and healthcare professionals. By combining the best available evidence with each person’s individual circumstances, shared decision-making helps ensure that care is both effective and meaningful.

Ultimately, taking greater control of your chronic disease isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about having the knowledge, confidence and support to make informed decisions, recognise when you need help and work alongside your healthcare team to achieve the best possible quality of life. As research continues to improve our understanding of chronic lung disease, empowering patients to become active partners in their own care is becoming just as important as developing the next breakthrough treatment.

Find out more

• Asthma
• COPD
• Our Clinical Management research group