HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

The Alberta Asthma Centre officially opened on March 10, 1993 . It arose through consultation with numerous groups, organizations and individuals with common interests. Based on identified needs, the Asthma Centre designed, evaluated and initiated several educational programs aimed at those with asthma, their families and caregivers, as well as multi-disciplinary health-care professionals. Our asthma educational programs are widely acknowledged for their innovative approaches and quality of their content and delivery and our research and that of others is demonstrating their impact.

The terms of reference for the AstraZeneca Chair in Asthma Research state that normally the chair holder will be the Director of the Alberta Asthma Centre. The initial model for the Centre encompassed an Epidemiology Unit headed by Dr. Patrick Hessel, a Clinical Unit (Dr. Brian Sproule, Professor Emeritus and Acting Head), and an Educational Unit (Coordinator, Ms Shawna McGhan, RN, MN, CAE). The Pulmonary Research Group was closely linked to the Centre through my joint roles as Director.

The founding of the Centre involved an exciting partnership among the Alberta Lung Association, the University of Alberta, and the University Of Alberta Hospitals (prior to formation of the Capital Health Authority) and was supported by industrial/pharmaceutical partners, the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton, and many others. No clear ownership of the Centre existed and no sustainable funding was in place. However, start-up funds were available and there was a sense of optimism. Government cutbacks to health and education in the mid 1990's had a marked impact on the Centre and its development.

The report from the committee that reviewed the AstraZeneca Chair in 1997 made several comments and constructive suggestions regarding the Centre. These included identification of the challenges arising from cutbacks and the inability to recruit a new Clinical Director for the Centre. The report stated: "serious consideration should be given to focus on consolidating and expanding the areas of excellence that have been established in the development of health promotion materials and in population based studies".

From this spectrum of consultations and advice, the Alberta Asthma Centre has focused its efforts on the development and testing of health promotion activities for asthma, and has undertaken several projects consistent with this focus. Where the programs/projects have proven to be successful, efforts have been made to facilitate sustainable implementation. The Centre is associated with the University of Alberta, through my position as Director, Professor of Medicine and AstraZeneca Chair in Asthma Research.

Regrettably, Dr. Patrick Hessel, Director Epidemiology Unit, has moved to a new and exciting career opportunity in Chicago. Thus, the population-based epidemiological focus has been lost from the Centre. Currently, population-based studies are on hold, and their future will be dependent upon recruitment of a Clinical Director. The Centre does not currently have a major clinical activity. Dr. Sproule maintains a small clinical practice off site. The Centre tries to play a supportive role for clinics in Edmonton and northern Alberta, largely by making information available about the clinics when individuals call the Centre, and through providing training for asthma educators and for individuals with asthma.

Dean Befus, PhD
Director, Alberta Asthma Centre
AstraZeneca Canada Inc., Chair in Asthma Research