A report by Asthma UK has found that just 13% of East Midlands residents with asthma are receiving care that meets all recommended standards and only 19% have an up to date asthma action plan – which could be putting their lives at unnecessary risk.

Coinciding with World Asthma Day, an event for 150 healthcare professionals from throughout the East Midlands takes place this Thursday (14 May) in Nottingham to share best practice and help ensure patients receive up to date asthma information and advice.

The event is hosted by the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) and the East Midlands Respiratory Programme team (see Notes to Editors). It will showcase best practice and provide updates on the latest national guidelines - and will also encourage healthcare professionals to put themselves to the test by checking their inhaler technique using a special device called AIM™ (Aerosol Inhalation Monitor).

A Royal College of Physicians review of deaths in England caused by asthma highlighted 195 fatalities between February 2012 and January 2013. Most if not all of these were avoidable.

When used properly, inhalers deliver medication directly to the airways, quickly and without the need for higher doses. Getting the right medication could not only prevent asthma deaths, it could also deliver significant savings considering that 45 million prescriptions are issued nationally each year for inhalers at a cost of around £900m.

Rachel Munton, EMAHSN Managing Director, said: "Evidence suggests people are unable to use their inhalers effectively, and they are not frequently or routinely shown how to use them correctly by someone who knows how to demonstrate appropriate usage.

"Our simple approach is helping both patients and healthcare professionals to understand the latest thinking and techniques."

Ann Broadbent, who is an asthma patient, said: "Everyone with asthma should have regular reviews and also an action plan that gets updated, as the severity of asthma for each member of my family has changed over time.

"It is also really helpful to be shown how to use our inhalers correctly by a competent and confident person. If these simple tasks can be carried out then people would receive much better care."

In a series of initiatives linked with World Asthma Day (which took place on 5 May), the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network is also backing the Simple Steps seven steps approach to education which includes a competency-based approach to training.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

About the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network

• One of 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England, EMAHSN brings together the NHS, universities, industry and social care to transform the health of the region's 4.5m residents and stimulate wealth. Priorities focus on innovations that address health challenges including obesity, diabetes, mental health, respiratory disease, cancer, stroke and frailty.For more visit www.healthinnovation-em.org.uk or @EM_AHSN

About the East Midlands Respiratory Programme

• Supported by EMAHSN, the programme provides training, upskilling, education and networking for healthcare professionals across East Midlands in key areas including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
• The initiative identifies and progresses innovative practices to improve patient care and address safety, exploring variation in practice and working with people with lung conditions and the British Lung Foundation across the East Midlands to explore priorities in lung research.
• To find out more about the event on 14th May and the East Midlands Respiratory Programme please visit: http://em-respiratoryprogramme.co.uk/ or @RespEM

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