An outreaching model of tertiary difficult asthma care reduces adverse asthma outcomes and healthcare utilisation costs. Issue 6 (23rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patil, Veeresh K.; Townshend, Christine; Mitchell, Frances; Kurukulaaratchy, Ramesh J.
• Is Part Of: European respiratory journal. Volume 47:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 1857
• Page End: 1860
• Publication Date: 2016-03-23
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiration -- Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01689-2015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0903-1936

Abstract

Difficult asthma is a heterogeneous state, pragmatically defined by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) as "persistent symptoms and/or frequent exacerbations despite treatment at step 4 or step 5 treatment" [1, 2]. It is frequently associated with aggravating comorbidities, causes significant morbidity and healthcare costs, and requires rigorous systematic assessment and treatment approaches [3–7]. Though few exist, referral to a specialist centre with appropriate multidisciplinary expertise and supporting technical resource is recommended [8]. It is unclear whether such care can be effectively delivered in a peripheral healthcare setting. We report initial outcomes of such a care pathway on the Isle of Wight (IOW), UK. Outreaching specialist asthma care can significantly benefit patients with difficult asthma in peripheral settings http://ow.ly/YClKM