UNDERSTANDING YOUR PATIENTS’ ASTHMA CONTROL WITH THE ASTHMA CONTROL QUESTIONNAIRE (ACQ5)

As a healthcare professional, you understand the importance of effective asthma management. The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ5) is a valuable tool that can help you assess how well your patients’ asthma is under control.  

WHY USE THE ACQ5?

The ACQ5 is a simple, 5-question survey that can provide you with valuable insights into your patient’s asthma symptoms and their overall control. It can be completed by patients in just a few minutes. After completing the questionnaire on our website, they will receive a copy of their results and recommended next steps.  

The ACQ5 was developed for use in clinical research studies as well as clinical practice. It is a recognised clinical asthma symptom measurement tool in Australia and internationally. A patient’s ACQ5 score also forms part of the authority prescription criteria for select monoclonal antibodies for severe uncontrolled asthma. 

The Asthma Control Questionnaire is suitable for anyone with asthma aged 12 years and older. For kids aged 7 to 11 years, parents or carers should contact our Asthma Educators to complete the questionnaire together. 

INTERPRETING ACQ5 RESULTS

The ACQ5 is a test that helps you see how well your patient’s asthma is controlled. It asks 5 questions about their asthma symptoms over the past week. Each question has a score from 0 to 6. The final score is the mean result of the 5 questions. 

Interpreting ACQ5 Scores: 

  • Well Controlled = 0 – 0.75  
  • Partially Controlled = 0.75 – 1.5  
  • Not Well Controlled = > 1.5 

If the ACQ5 score is 1.5 or higher, it means the asthma isn’t under control.

You’ll need to take a closer look at the patient’s treatment plan and see what needs to be changed. 

A change in ACQ5 score of 0.5 or more is considered clinically significant.

It means the asthma is either getting better or worse, and we might need to adjust the treatment plan based on that.  

Once you complete the ACQ5 and hit submit, the score and control category will be provided on screen. You can discuss the results with your patient and a copy of the questionnaire, responses and some supporting information about symptoms and triggers will be provided via the patients email address provided. 

 

DISCUSS ACQ5 RESULTS WITH PATIENTS 

Once you have reviewed your patients’ ACQ5 results, discuss them with them during their appointment. This will allow you to address any concerns they may have and work together to develop a treatment plan that is right for them. By using the ACQ5 regularly, you can identify potential problems early on, improve communication with your patients, and empower them to take control of their asthma management.

TERMS OF USE

Validation of the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ5)

The Asthma Control Questionnaire has been validated by Clinical Trial for adults and is undergoing further testing for all children 7-17 years.  It is a recognised clinical asthma symptom measurement tool within the Australian Asthma Handbook Guidelines, 2022 and internationally.

The tool itself has been developed by ACQ© 2002 QOL TECHNOLOGIES Ltd, and Asthma Australia as the peak body for people with asthma have the license to administer the questionnaire and support people in their asthma journey, together with their treating health professionals.

Asthma Scoring Tools are not intended to be used by members of the public in place of health professional advice. 

For more information on the Asthma Control Questionnaire, you can contact us on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462).