Getting it right first time for people with asthma
Lottie from our policy team, tells us about a new report launched that outlines the current state of asthma care and how our campaigning is making a difference.
In 2014 the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) found that two thirds of asthma deaths were preventable with better routine care. Since then, Asthma UK has been campaigning hard to ensure everyone gets the most basic level of care to keep them well. This includes an annual review, a written asthma action plan and an inhaler technique check. Due to our relentless campaigning on this we have seen the levels of basic care double over the last seven years. Alongside this we have been calling for anyone who receives unscheduled care to be followed up with their GP or nurse within two working days to prevent future asthma attacks.
We are continuing to campaign for increased referrals and access to life-changing treatments for people with severe asthma too. In November, we launched our severe asthma campaign and interactive tool to help drive referrals for those stuck in a never-ending cycle of taking toxic oral steroid tablets and bouncing in and out of hospital.
Tackling inequality and variation in care
Although we have seen vast improvements, there is still a long way to go in stopping asthma attacks for good. This is why we welcome the report from Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT), that outlines the state of current asthma care and takes forward many of our recommendations in the hope to transform care for people with asthma. GIRFT is a national programme delivered in partnership with NHS England and is designed to improve care within the NHS by tackling variations in the way services are delivered and by identifying changes that will improve care and patient outcomes.
The report finds unexplained variation across the country in hospital admissions and recommends a review of the patient pathway to ensure everyone is getting the basic care they need. We know that hospital admissions are strongly linked to health inequalities so it is great to see action to tackle the highest rates of admissions. The report also finds variation in the numbers of people being readmitted to hospital within thirty days of their last asthma attack. This is why the follow-up within two working days is so vital and we hope this report, coupled with our continued campaigning, will help ensure this happens for everyone.
Better access to care for people with severe asthma
For severe asthma, the report finds long delays in access to potentially life-changing biologics and variation in access to speech and language therapy and mental health services. Our research has shown that as many as 46,000 people are missing out on these treatments and how a holistic approach to care is so important for improving quality of life. The report echoes our call for national severe asthma guidelines, so healthcare professionals know when to refer and are aware of the life-changing treatments available in specialist services.
Time for change
Our campaigning is making a difference but there is a long way to go in making sure people with asthma get the care they deserve. We hope this new report will bring about a step change in asthma care and bring us closer to ending asthma attacks for good.
Donate today and help do 3 amazing things
for people with asthma
Asthma UK’s mission is to stop asthma attacks and cure asthma. We do this by funding world leading research, campaigning for improved care and supporting people to reduce their risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. Will you help us do all this and more