Improving Paediatric asthma care - a one stop nurse led approach

The National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD 2014) 1 highlighted many avoidable factors. In children and young people, apparent lack of adherance to medical advice was common. In the North East of England, the majority of children are managed in primary care, meaning limited or no access to a Paediactric Respiratory Specialist Nurse. NRAD reported that 58% of deaths occured in those with mild to moderate asthma, with the majority being primary care patients. Aims: Identify children, young people and their families that would benefit from education about asthma and advice around how to manage their symptoms That asthma management advice is available to all Promote effective self management Set up a nurse led one stop clinic Method: Clinic set up with 6, 40 minute slots, twice monthly. Clinic run by a respiratory nurse specialist experienced in children9s asthma management Referrals accepted from primary care, general paediatricians and emergency department discharges. Offered a once only appointment covering education, advice and management support Initial asthma control test (ACT) carried out and repeated 8 weeks later during a follow up call Results: 48 reviewed in clinic 42 contacted with a follow up call 37 had an increased ACT score, 2 unchanged, 3 reduced Mean increased score of 5 demonstrated Minimally improved difference (MID), an increased score of 2 Summary: The majority of families reviewed asked "why has nobody told us this before" concluding that the basics of asthma care are important but often overlooked. The data suggests there has been an improvement in asthma management.