Self Advocacy Resources

What is self advocacy?

Asthma is a chronic condition; which means it can be controlled but not cured. As you live with your asthma, you will need to learn about people and places to go to for help. Self-advocacy empowers you to get the support you need.

Self-advocacy is about taking an active role in managing your asthma.

Self-advocacy is also about:

  • Asking the right questions to the right people, and making sure you understand the answers you are given before making decisions about your care.
  • Working with your healthcare professionals to help you set your goals and then meet them.
  • Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a patient.
  • Telling your family, friends, boss, co-workers and others what they can do to help you manage your asthma.

The resources below are designed to help you get the support you need.

Should you have more questions or need more support, please reach out to us. 

 

Asthma & Allergy HelpLine

Do you have questions about self-advocacy and asthma? Contact our free HelpLine service to be connected with a Certified Respiratory Educator who can offer expert support and advice.

Asthma Patient Bill of Rights

Our patient-developed resource to empower all people living with asthma and allergies to understand their responsibility to properly manage their disease and lead a happy, healthy life.

Self Advocacy Guide for Canadians with Asthma

A Breathe Easy handbook to help guide you through complex healthcare systems and learn about the people who can help you control your asthma.

Severe Asthma Patient Charter

Six guiding principles set out to define what people with Severe Asthma should expect for the management of their disease and what should constitute a basic standard of care.

Ontario Health: Quality Standard for Asthma in Adults

To help you and your family have informed conversations with your health care providers. Inside, you will find questions you may want to ask as you work together to make a plan for your care.

Ontario Health Patient Guide: Asthma

What to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner to help you receive high-quality care.

 

 

Ontario Health: Quality Standard for Asthma in Children

Addresses the diagnosis and management of asthma in people under 16 years of age, with a focus on primary care and community-based settings.

 

Ontario Health: Patient Guide: Your Child's Asthma

What to discuss with your child’s family doctor or nurse practitioner to help them receive high-quality care.

How to Health Guide

The “How To” Health Guide was developed to assist patients, caregivers, friends and families in managing information about the Canadian health care system, which can often be challenging to navigate.

The Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS)

The Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) is a disease management and clinical decision support system aimed at improving health outcomes for patients with asthma. Increase the efficiency and productivity of your clinical appointment. 

Questions about asthma or allergies?

Reach out to Asthma Canada’s Asthma & Allergy HelpLine!

Certified Respiratory Educators (CREs) can provide you with expert support and advice.

Call 1-866-787-4050 or email info@asthma.ca to be connected with a CRE.