Considering the ageing of the Dutch population and the current and increasing shortage of general practitioners (GPs), the capacity of primary healthcare is a major and growing concern. Delegation of care normally provided by GPs with care provided by trained practice nurses is now rapidly emerging for patients with chronic respiratory disease, i.e. asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, most general practices still provide care at initiative of the patient self, because of the lack in scientific evidence and the costs of implementing a regular care structure. Self-care by patients may be an alternative to alleviate the growing load on primary health care.