Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN)

Overview

This ongoing project aims to improve the management of asthma presentations across emergency departments (EDs), urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and urgent care services within GP practices/primary care networks (PCNs) by delivering targeted education aligned with the BTS, NICE and SIGN guideline, and Wessex Asthma Guidelines. Between October and December 2025, a series of online and in-person sessions were delivered to urgent care clinicians across Hampshire.

The education focused on acute asthma management, the introduction of anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) and maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) regimes, and the transition towards SABA-free pathways. Engagement included collaboration with clinical nurse educators, pharmaceutical partners, and asthma leads at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PAH) to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with system-wide initiatives.

Sessions were delivered to advanced practitioners, urgent care clinicians and rotating staff, with tailored content for each site. Feedback demonstrated strong relevance to clinical practice, improved confidence in managing asthma, and clearer understanding of AIR and MART approaches.