To evaluate the effectiveness of asthma self management education, self monitoring and either: (1) regular review by a health care provider, or (2) use of a written action plan, or (3) both on patient outcomes. The specific questions addressed are:

1. Do asthma self management education, self monitoring and either regular review by a healthcare provider or use of a written action plan, or both, lead to improved outcomes in asthma?
2. What are the characteristics of those programmes that lead to measurable changes in health outcomes?