Asthma: National Review of Asthma Deaths

Question 1

What is the “Asthma: National Review of Asthma Deaths?”

Answer 1

RCP produced it in 2014 after revieweing 195 asthma deaths that occured in a 12 month period.

Question 2

What were the key findings of the 2014 RCP “Asthma: National Review of Asthma Deaths”?

Answer 2

1. Personal asthma action plans were not provided in the majority of patients who died.
2. Annual asthma reviews had not taken place in the most of under half of the people who died.
3. Health professionals lacked knowledge of the UK asthma guidelines and lacked expertise.
4. LABA inhalers treatment was poor.

Question 3

What recommendations were made from the Asthma: National Review of Asthma Deaths?

Answer 3

1. > 2 x courses of oral or injected steroids in 12 months OR on BTS treatment 4 or 5 to achieve control THEN refer to secondary care.
2. 12 or more relievers in the past 12 months = urgent review of asthma control.
3. Annual review = ensure you document inhaler technique.
4. Monitor non-adherence to inhaled corticosteroids.
5. Combination inhalers should be encouraged (ICS + LABA)