Implementing a protocol for remote asthma reviews in a primary care setting .
Background to the project
Introduction
Context and aims
Article # 9
Title : Implementing a protocol for remote asthma reviews in a primary care setting .
Author : Julia Yates
Belgrave Medical Centre Stoke on Trent CCG
Keywords : Asthma , Remote consultations , Video consultations , General Practice , Primary care , SARS-Cov-2
DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.21252 / kfzp-7g48
Implementing a protocol for remote asthma reviews in a primary care setting .
Background to the project
Asthma affects over 5 million people in the United Kingdom ( British Lung Foundation , BLF , 2021 ), with evidence suggesting that poor management is a contributing factor to a majority of asthma related morbidity ( British Thoracic Society , BTS , 2019 ).
It is recommended that asthma reviews in Primary Care should be conducted at least annually , with personalised treatment tailored to the patient ' s needs ( Royal College of Physicians , 2014 ) and take the opportunity to reinforce good inhaler technique and trigger avoidance ( BTS , 2019 ). Historically , asthma reviews have been face-to-face appointments , however , following the impact of the global pandemic , SARS-Cov-2 ; it is common for such reviews to be missed potentially leaving patients at risk . This paper explores the use of remote consultations for asthma reviews , with focus on a protocol to support this type of review in a primary care setting , ensuring patient safety is paramount .
Introduction
In March 2020 , primary care found themselves transforming overnight to remote care to minimise the transmission of SAR-Cov-2 , with no specific guidelines being in place at the time until the General Medical Council and the Royal College of Nursing ( RCN , 2020 ) produced interim guidance during 2020 . However , advice from BTS ( 2020 ) did not change regarding asthma management and that remote consultations should take place to ensure patient safety ( Beany et al , 2020 ). For this to be effective , it had been recognised that a remote asthma protocol required being in place .
Context and aims
The aim was to implement an asthma protocol for remote reviews in general practice . The protocol was to ensure remote consultations were as effective as a face-to-face review , ensuring safety and a standardised approach . Early engagement of stakeholders had been important to support the change and quality improvement . The protocol was to be utilised alongside the already established asthma template on the