NEWS
Addressing the gaps currently present in asthma care
Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects the lungs with around 368,000 people in Scotland living with the condition.
World Asthma Day is held annually in the first week of May to increase awareness and improve the care needed around the world. This year’s theme is “Closing Gaps in Asthma Care” to raise awareness of preventable suffering experienced by those affected, as well as limit the costs incurred by treating uncontrolled Asthma.
Scotland’s Asthma and Allergy Foundation provides free evidence-based health information, confidential advice and support to those living with the condition as well as their families, carers and friends.
Rafsan Chowdhury, Health Promotion Manager commented: “Although Asthma is very common, there are still multiple gaps regarding care and management within our communities. With proper education, treatment and greater accessibility to annually updated Asthma-related scientific evidence, people living with the condition can lead full, active lives – just like everyone else. On this years World Asthma Day, we want to use this opportunity to address some of the gaps associated with asthma care that prevent them from living healthy and optimal lives.”
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation shares some of the gaps in asthma care:
- Disparities in access to diagnosis and treatment
- Gaps in communication across primary, secondary and tertiary care
- Prescription of inhalers vs ability to use these devices
- General education of the public surrounding understanding of the Asthma
- Application of scientific evidence within actual delivery of care
- Quality of Asthma Care Plans
- Knowledge of Asthma between Healthcare Professionals
