Fran Robinson talks to a patient who has had asthma all her life, feels that annual asthma reviews are a waste of time (except when they are conducted by PCRS members).

PCRS has published a new pragmatic guide to help clinicians identify the triggers for referral for specialist care for people with poorly controlled and severe asthma.

Key facts

NICE has published new indicators for asthma and COPD, part of a suite of new indicators, which will inform negotiations for the 2020/21 QOF in England.

Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions for Primary and Community Practitioners Continuing Professional Development (short course) Cambridge 12 weeks Module level: 6 and 7 Module credits: 30 credits  

BTS/SIGN has published an updated guideline on the management of asthma.  

PCRS welcome this further update of the long established, comprehensive and highly respected BTS/SIGN guideline for asthma.

Alongside a detailed clinical history and other important tests to assess variability (peak flow, reversibility and challenge tests) it is used to support the diagnosis of asthma. PCRS has produced this consensus position on the use of FeNO in primary care to support the diagnosis of as

Please note an error has been corrected in the PCRS treatment guidelines article "All that glitters is not GOLD, nor is it even NICE" which first appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Primary Care Respiratory Update.

We have guidelines on asthma from two different sources in the UK – BTS/SIGN and NICE. The British Asthma guideline from BTS/SIGN was first published in 2003 and is well established, respected and comprehensive.

A community pharmacy project to support patients with asthma to change their behaviour and improve control of their condition has been launched in North West London.

Briefing document for National Respiratory Strategies – the NHS Long term plan and Lung Health Taskforce 5 year plan.