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In Touch. Your regular news update from PCRS. Inspiring best practice in respiratory care

PCRS News

Smoking cessation and other resolutions for a healthier lifestyle

The start of a new year is an ideal time to support people in considering small ways to begin working towards a healthy lifestyle. The NHS has relaunched their smokefree campaign to encourage all 5.3 million smokers in England to make a quit attempt this January. Here at PCRS, we have shared our top five primary care resolutions for 2025 to encourage and support people to take steps to improve or protect their lung health. Read the article and access our useful resources.

New position statement on vaping in children and young people

In this new position statement, PCRS advocates that: vaping should be discouraged among children and young people; accurate information should be available for them, their families, schools and health professionals around the potential risks of vaping, in terms of a gateway product for other addictive behaviours; and that long-term safety data should be available for this age group in regulated products.

COPD risk slider and resources

The new COPD risk slider* is available in an online version and a print version is available to order. The slider supports initiating a conversation with your patients about their COPD and identifies any potential risks of exacerbation or worsening of symptoms. Watch our webinar, for an introduction to how the slider can be used effectively within a consultation.

Go green for 2025

Our greener respiratory healthcare calendar of action** enables you to take a ‘small steps of change’ approach to more sustainable practice. The resource has seven themes including pollution and climate, virtual care, and recycling. With the start of the new year, why not resolve to begin your greener respiratory healthcare journey? Explore the calendar and please share with colleagues.

*We are grateful to have collaborated with Astra Zeneca Ltd on the production of this new COPD slider.

**We are grateful to Chiesi for the provision of a grant to support the activities of the PCRS Greener Respiratory Healthcare campaign. The campaign has been solely organised by PCRS and Chiesi has had no input in the content.

New Year, new asthma guideline

At the end of last year, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), British Thoracic Society (BTS) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) published their long-awaited single guideline on asthma diagnosis, monitoring and management. To support you in implementing changes in your practice, we have produced a range of resources including a first steps guide, signposting infographic and on demand webinar.

With a new episode every two weeks and the full back catalogue of podcasts available to listen on demand, PCRS members have access to hours of expert opinion, informative updates and the latest in respiratory care. Join PCRS to tune in. Our latest episodes cover:

Supporting Behaviour Change

Our Executive Chair, Dr Katherine Hickman is joined by Alicia Piwko and Ren Lawlor to explore what 'Supporting Behaviour Change' truly means for patients—what it involves and how we can effectively encourage it. They also delve into the complexities of working in primary care and managing the needs of dozens of individuals every day.

Bronchiectasis and new treatments

Dr Fiona Mosgrove is joined by Professor James Chalmers to discuss bronchiectasis, focusing on new treatments and improved diagnosis rates. They explore current options, the significant positive impact of effective treatment on patients' health and wellbeing, the science behind these therapies, and future advancements in bronchiectasis care.

The latest edition of PCRU is out now

The latest edition of PCRU highlights the resilience and dedication of the respiratory care community, celebrating their optimism despite challenges such as gaps in diagnostic testing. The issues covers the updated BTS/SIGN/NICE Asthma Guidelines and features resources to help you to prepare for these changes. PCRS members receive a print copy of PCRU directly their door.

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News and resources

Helping people quit vaping

A recent Cochrane review of nine studies involving 5,209 participants, including teens aged 13–17, explored ways to quit nicotine vapes. Text message-based support and varenicline (≥18’s only) showed promise compared to minimal help, but more research is needed. Key gaps include understanding the effectiveness of other interventions and potential harms, such as their impact on restarting tobacco use. Stopping vaping requires innovative strategies, but evidence to guide effective solutions remains incomplete.

NCMD Report on Asthma and Anaphylaxis deaths in England

A recent National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) report aims to investigate deaths in children due to asthma and anaphylaxis, and to draw out learning and recommendations for service providers and policymakers. For an overview of the report's findings listen to this Asthma Spotlight podcast.

Respiratory Futures Podcast: BTS Winter Meeting

The Respiratory Futures Podcast, from the British Thoracic Society (BTS), features discussions with leading experts shaping a future of better lung health for all. Their latest episode covers reflections on the BTS Winter Meeting, the future of respiratory care, and insights from four exciting guests.

Integrated approach transforms lives of more people with severe asthma

The Integrated Severe Asthma Care project bridged gaps in severe asthma care in the most deprived areas. The project identified patients with uncontrolled asthma and fast-tracked access to biologic therapies via community clinics. Learn more.

ARTP Spirometry Certification Update

Over the past six months, the Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP) has audited the spirometry certification process to identify improvements, collaborating with partners like PCRS and ARNS. The audit results will be published shortly. Read full statement.

Research

Opportunity to take part in a project involving children with dysfunctional breathing

No specific breathing difficulties assessment tools exist for children with dysfunctional breathing. Researchers at Bournemouth University are considering developing a new tool that can be used clinically. They are running a survey to gather insights to help understand the need for a suitable tool and items you think are essential when assessing children with respiratory conditions.

Abstracts invited for ARNS 2025

Abstracts are invited for the ARNS Conference 2025 for poster and oral presentations with awards given for the best in each category. These may include reports of clinical audit, research, innovation in practice, or evaluation of clinical processes. Submissions close 3rd March 2025.

IPCRG 8th Scientific Meeting

The 8th International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) Scientific Meeting will be held in Brașov, Romania, from 11th - 12th April 2025. This is your opportunity to network with international colleagues engaged in respiratory research and developments in primary care.

BURDEN Initiative survey

The BURDEN initiative is a research project examining the impact of Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis (NCFBE) on people’s everyday lives. The imitative is running an online survey open both to adults living with bronchiectasis and their family members. Further information is available in this flyer.

ARRA newsletter - call for submissions

The Academic Respiratory Research Alliance newsletter provides updates on events and initiatives supported by the network, as well as a selection of future funding and collaboration opportunities. You cane share your highlights with the network to be featured in upcoming newsletters.

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npj | Primary Care Respiratory Medicine
Official Journal of the PCRS