How to carry out remote consultations for people with asthma and COPD
Primary care nurses are having to transform their ways of working
06 Jul 2020
Jane Scullion
Helping people live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
How nurses can have a positive effect on the lives of people with COPD
14 Aug 2019
Asthma and COPD: inhaler and spacer rescue packs could be a game-changer
Comments are sought on issuing rescue packs to those at risk due to these conditions
15 May 2019
Consider clinical impact first in any asthma inhaler switch
Inhaler devices may leave a carbon footprint, but are essential to many people's health
22 Feb 2019
Correct use of inhalers is our responsibility
The UK Inhaler Group has issued a set of standards for healthcare professionals advising on correct inhaler technique.
07 Mar 2017
Chronic Disease Management: A New Paradigm for Care
Written by a GP who has an extensive background in medical education, this book focuses on chronic disease management rather than how chronic conditions affect health.
13 Jan 2016
Asthma care – time for a rethink
Asthma is a common problem managed in primary care, however many patients do not have good control of their condition. This article looks at routine asthma care, indicating where the findings from the 2014 National Review of Asthma Deaths might change current practice. It examines triggers and exacerbations and considers the four key areas identified in the report: the use of services, medical and professional care, prescribing and medicines use, patient factors and perception of risk of poor control. The article also highlights the role of medications, including helping patients understand stepping up and stepping down, the place of current and future therapies in asthma care, and how to review patients effectively while managing their concerns.
25 Nov 2014
Carers’ experience of looking after a person with chronic obstructive respiratory...
Government policy recognises the need to support caregivers in the community to ease the burden of caring. It encourages primary healthcare workers to explore the specific care needs of informal caregivers as part of the patient’s package of care. Nursing interventions that assess and evaluate carers’ needs can ensure that family caregivers are offered support. This article uses the example of caring for family members with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to examine the burden of caring, its assessment and how nurses can sensitively handle issues raised.
25 Jun 2014
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): updated guidelines
In 2004 the first National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were published. They have recently been revised taking into account further evidence and publications. This article details the updated changes relevant to current practice alongside previous relevant recommendations. NICE guidance informs best practice but it does not negate our individual circumstances and responsibility and as practitioners we have a duty of care to be aware of the latest guidance.
08 Oct 2010
Using guidelines and the GMS contract to improve COPD care in general practice
COPD is a progressive and chronic illness and is the UK’s fastest growing killer disease. This article oultines the lastest guidelines and examines how they work in practice.
01 Jun 2006
A proactive approach to asthma
Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory condition the incidence of which appears to be increasing in the UK. It has a substantial impact on the lives of the people it affects. A proactive approach to asthma by healthcare professionals working with patients with this condition may substantially improve asthma management.
09 Nov 2005
Managing dyspnoea in end-stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
This article examines the palliative care needs of patients with end-stage COPD, looking particularly at the management of dyspnoea.
01 Feb 2004
Tuberculosis and older people
Tuberculosis is a disease with a long history and although concerted efforts have been made...
01 May 2003